An 11-year-old boy in Apopka, Florida, is facing charges after he allegedly shot two 13-year-olds with a gun he found in his mother’s car. The incident occurred on Monday evening following a dispute that started during football practice, according to local law enforcement.
The boy reportedly fired a single shot, injuring one teenager in the arm and the other in the torso. Apopka Police Chief Mike McKinley revealed during a Tuesday press conference that surveillance footage showed the two victims fleeing from the boy at the time of the shooting. Both teenagers are currently in stable condition.
The incident was reported around 8:18 p.m., with police arriving on the scene approximately four minutes later. The responding officers confiscated the firearm from the boy, who was subsequently detained. The boy has since been charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder and is currently held at a juvenile assessment center.
In addition to the charges against the boy, his mother may also face legal consequences. McKinley indicated that she could be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for leaving a firearm unsecured.
McKinley expressed his concern over the incident, stating, “We need to reflect on this as a society. It’s a shame. No one wants to arrest an 11-year-old by any means.” He also noted that any further charges would be determined by the court system.
The police chief expressed hope for the boy’s future, stating, “Our hope is that the 11-year-old gets the assistance he needs to make sure this isn’t a resolution for the rest of his life. He’s 11, he’s got a long life ahead of him. There’s no doubt that he can turn things around.”
According to local news outlet FOX 35 in Orlando, the arrest report suggested that the shooting was triggered by a fight over a bag of chips, with the two victims allegedly bullying the shooter. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.