A Wappingers Falls native is asking for help after he says his daughter was shot in the face by a stray bullet while she slept at her mom’s house in North Carolina. 

“The bullet pierced her shoulder, went into her face and came out through this side,” said Michael Hinton as he gestured to his cheek. 

Hinton’s daughter, 8-year-old Aacuria Hinton, was sleeping in her bunk bed at her mom’s house in Greensboro, North Carolina, in January when she was hit by a stray bullet in the face.  

“Mom’s door got shot out and another bullet shot through the window,” said Hinton. 

Hinton is from Wappingers Falls and worked for five years at Vassar Brother’s Hospital in Poughkeepsie. 

He’s now living in Albany and on family medical leave from Albany Medical Center while caring for Aacuria who is back at home on the mend and happy, despite the horrific ordeal. 

He says the little girl has permanent damage to her face and lost part of her jaw, teeth and tongue. 

She spent two months in the hospital, had three surgeries and needs two more. 

Her dad is hoping a GoFundMe will help cover medical supplies and home care that he’s paying for out of pocket until her new insurance in New York kicks in next month. 

So far, it’s raised more than $4,000. 

“I’m beyond words,” said Hinton. I do my best to humble myself at times like this because asking for help isn’t always my strong suit. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. She thanks them from the bottom of her heart.” 

Hinton says even strangers have reached out to help. 

No arrests have been made in the case.  Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information by calling them at 1-336–373–1000.