MIAMI -- A 6-year-old boy from Italy visiting Miami with his family is recovering from a gunshot wound after he was hit by a stray New Year’s celebration bullet early Friday morning.

Local 10’s Julie Summers reported from Jackson Memorial Hospital where the boy was in serious but stable condition. He was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center with that stray bullet lodged in his chest less than an inch from his heart.

It was a close call so terrifying the mayor of Miami came to the hospital. Tomas Regalado told Local 10 “It was a major operation because the bullet came through here (motioned to his throat) and went all the way down to the stomach.”

The child’s parents and other family members were at the hospital but were too distraught to speak – only telling Local 10 “He’s OK. We’re all really sad.”

It all unfolded at an Italian restaurant in Miami’s Design District about 1 a.m. Friday as the boy and his family sat at an outdoor table celebrating the New Year. They heard a “pop” according to police and then the boy complained of chest pains. When his family lifted his shirt to check they saw blood and rushed him to Mt. Sinai Hospital. There doctors realized the serious nature of his injuries and transferred him by ambulance to Ryder Trauma Center.

Miami Deputy Police Chief Luis Cabrera reminded the public, “You’ve got to remember whatever you shoot up in the air is going to come down.” To find the person responsible for firing that bullet into the air Miami Police units canvassed the area Friday night. Police also promise forensic experts will examine the fragments recovered.

Miami Police Public Information Officer Kenia Reyes said, “Just yesterday we had a press conference reminding people that this foolishness has to stop. Today – look where we’re at. A 6-year-old defenseless boy is shot in the chest.”

Regalado told Local 10 the City will help the family in any way possible. They were due to head home to Italy on Jan.7 but now need to say longer while the boy recovers. The city will help with lodging and the mayor said a state program may be able to help with the child’s medical bills.