12-Year-Old Shot Inside Spotsylvania Home After Firearm Discharges, Sheriff Says

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A 12-year-old boy was critically injured Tuesday after a firearm discharged inside a Spotsylvania County home while several juveniles were handling it, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded to the 100 block of Lee Street to investigate the report of a shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.

When deputies arrived, they found the boy suffering from a single gunshot wound to the upper torso. Deputies provided lifesaving first aid and coordinated a traffic plan to help speed the boy’s transport, authorities said.

Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management personnel arrived quickly and took the boy to a local hospital. He remained in critical but stable condition, the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said its Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the shooting. A preliminary investigation found that the shooting happened inside the residence when several juveniles were handling a firearm and it discharged, striking the boy.

No adults were home at the time, authorities said.

Detectives are working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed, according to the sheriff’s office.

Anyone with information may contact Crime Solvers at 1-800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822. Tips may also be submitted online at p3tips.com or spotsylvaniacrimesolvers.org, or through the P3 Tips app.

The sheriff’s office also reminded firearm owners to properly secure firearms and keep them out of the reach of children.