Teen Accidentally Shot In Head By Friend Playing With Gun: Manatee County Sheriff's Office

BRADENTON, FL — A 16-year-old was accidentally shot in the head by a friend playing with a gun in Bradenton, authorities said.

Deputies responded to a shooting in the 900 block of 14th Street E. just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a news release from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

They were told by a witness that the teen had accidentally shot himself in the head while holding a gun, MCSO said.

Investigators learned that the victim’s friend, a 15-year-old boy, was playing with a handgun when it accidentally went off, hitting the victim.

The teen suspect was charged with attempted manslaughter and booked into Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

While MCSO released the suspect's name, it is Patch's policy not to identify those in the juvenile court system.

The victim, who hasn’t been named, was brought to Blake Hospital, where he is in critical condition.