Indianapolis, IN – A 16-year-old boy has been arrested after Indianapolis police say he accidentally shot himself while attempting to load a firearm earlier this month.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), North District officers responded to an area hospital on Wednesday, July 2, after receiving a report of a person who arrived with a gunshot wound.
Investigators determined the teenager had suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. IMPD Aggravated Assault detectives later learned the juvenile allegedly shot himself while attempting to load a firearm.
Detectives submitted their preliminary findings to the Marion County Juvenile Division for review. A warrant was later issued for the teen’s arrest.
On Monday, July 20, detectives, assisted by the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF), located and arrested the 16-year-old without incident.
Police said the juvenile was arrested on preliminary allegations of criminal recklessness and dangerous possession of a firearm by a child.
“Guns in the hands of unsupervised youth is not only illegal, but dangerous,” IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said in a statement. She added that the case serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to know where children are and what they are doing, while expressing gratitude that the teen was not more seriously injured.
Authorities emphasized that the allegations are preliminary. The charges are accusations only, and the teen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The Marion County Superior Court – Juvenile Division will make the final charging decision.
The investigation remains ongoing.
