2 Teens Shot During Struggle In Stafford County: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A pair of teenagers suffered gunshot wounds after a dispute in Stafford County on Thursday, according to the sheriff's office. The shooting caused several local schools to enter lockdowns.

A 15-year-old boy from Stafford County suffered serious injuries when he was shot in the back. He was flown to an area hospital where experts said his injuries were not life-threatening.

A 17-year-old boy from Woodbridge suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. He has been released from the hospital and taken into custody by members of the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities identified the suspects responsible for the shooting as a pair of 17-year-old boys from Woodbridge.

The 17-year-old who suffered the gunshot wound was charged with aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. The other 17-year-old, who is also from Woodbridge, was charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and grand larceny of a firearm.

Both 17-year-olds are being held at the regional juvenile detention center. Police officials said more charges could be filed.

The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Park Ridge Community Pool. Deputies found the 15-year-old victim when they arrived at the scene and provided first aid, authorities said.

A Stafford County K-9 tracked two suspects through the nearby woods to a shed on Boondocks Lane, according to the police report. The suspect with a gunshot wound was taken to a hospital while deputies detained the other suspect.

"Deputies recognized the inherent danger of firearms being discarded in the area and conducted extensive searches through the woods," the Stafford County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook. "Finally, after approximately three hours of searching, three handguns were located nearby."

Detectives are still investigating the shooting. They believe that the suspects traveled to Stafford from Woodbridge and encountered the 15-year-old. A struggle began and shots were fired, the sheriff's office said.

Two schools in the area were placed on a full lockdown due to the shooting. In a letter to families, Stafford County Schools Superintendent Thomas Taylor said one of the people involved in the shooting was a student.

"I am deeply saddened to report that there was a shooting in one of our neighborhoods this afternoon," Taylor wrote. "The shooting involved one of our students, who also had to receive medical attention as a result of this incident."

Taylor thanked the sheriff's office for its quick response and noted that details about the shooting are still limited.

"I would love to tell you that instruction is our number one priority in Stafford Schools - it’s not. Safety remains paramount in Stafford Schools," Taylor said. "The safety of our students, staff, and visitors is essential. Our collective safety relies on all of us to be mindful and caring."

Taylor urged students to contact a trusted adult if they have any concerns about their safety. He ended his letter with a message to parents.

"And tonight, please hug your children a little tighter than usual before bedtime."

Anyone with more information about Thursday's shooting can contact Detective N.D. Ridings at 540-658-4400.