Teen Faces Charges After Water Pellet Assault In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A 16-year-old boy is charged with assault after firing water pellets at a victim at Walmart last week, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Police said the boy fired several pellets at the victim's stomach. The victim, who police did not identify, was not injured.

Authorities only identified the suspect as a 16-year-old boy. The sheriff's office did not publicly name the boy due to Virginia laws that protect the identities of minors.

In their report on Tuesday, the sheriff's office did not say whether the boy was taken into custody. He is charged with one count of assault.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Walmart on Village Parkway in Stafford. Police said a victim was near the entrance of the store when a vehicle drove by. The passenger fired several water pellets into the victim's stomach before the vehicle drove away.

Witnesses provided police with the license plate number and a description of the vehicle. Authorities said they found the driver at his home, and he told police who fired the pellets.

Deputies said they found the shooter at his home and told his mother what happened. After the investigation, authorities charged the boy with assault.

"Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the dangers and criminal charges associated with brandishing and shooting water pellet guns at other people," the Stafford County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook.