One person injured following accidental shooting incident in Georgia

GEORGIA — A 13-year-old boy was injured over the weekend when a group of teenagers playing with guns accidentally discharged a firearm, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

The incident occurred Saturday around 3:45 p.m. at a residence in the 1300 block of Willow Way. Officers found the boy with a gunshot wound to his shoulder. He told police he did not know who fired the weapon and was transported to a hospital, where he was treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators said the incident involved three juveniles. A 16-year-old and a 14-year-old present at the scene initially denied knowing anything about the shooting or firearms. Police determined the three had been playing with guns when one of them accidentally fired. The juveniles then hid the firearms, including one reported stolen to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

The 16-year-old and 14-year-old were arrested on two misdemeanor charges: reckless conduct and tampering with evidence. The 16-year-old also faces a felony charge of theft by receiving stolen property.

Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan said, “We are extremely lucky that this child’s injury was not more severe. Instead of helping their friend after injuring him, these juveniles hid their guns, which delayed the investigation and tied up resources from other calls for service.”