NORFOLK, Va. – Detectives have charged a 13-year-old boy for his alleged involvement in what police are calling a preventable incident that injured his friend on Saturday.
The boy has been charged with possession of a firearm by a juvenile and reckless handling of a gun. He is currently being held in the Juvenile Detention Center.
The boy’s charges stem from a shooting that involved the two boys playing with a loaded gun.
The investigation revealed that both boys were playing with a loaded firearm inside the house when the gun incidentally fired, striking one of them and causing a non-life-threatening injury.
Detectives are investigating to find out how exactly the boys were able to get a gun.
“I am thankful this young boy is going to survive,” said Chief Boone, “however, I would be remiss if I didn’t stress the importance of questioning how these young boys were able to get their hands on a gun.”
Chief Boone released a statement early this month, answering this question regarding youth gun violence:
So how are these guns getting into the hands of our youth? Simply put, irresponsible gun owners. As you know, our youth cannot legally purchase a handgun so they’re getting them from homes, unlocked vehicles, and other illegal means. Properly securing your firearm reduces the chances a juvenile will use a gun to make a split-second decision that changes everyone’s life. Gun violence is not all about politics, and I will not invest energy in speculation about future gun legislation. What is more compelling, is what WE as a community can do in the present to affect gun violence.
To read Chief Boone’s full statement on youth gun violence, click here.
There were no other injuries reported during this incident. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
