In a startling incident in Apopka, Florida, an 11-year-old boy accessed an unlocked box in his mother’s vehicle, retrieved a gun, and shot two 13-year-olds during a confrontation that arose from a Pop Warner football practice, according to the police on Tuesday.
The child discharged a single shot on Monday evening, striking one teenager in the arm and the other in the torso, revealed Apopka Police Chief Mike McKinley during a press conference on Tuesday morning. McKinley stated that surveillance video footage demonstrated both teenagers were running away from the boy when the gunshot occurred.
McKinley assured that the two teens are in a stable condition.
The incident was reported at approximately 8:18 p.m., with responding officers arriving at the scene within four minutes, according to McKinley.
The officers confiscated the firearm from the child and took him into custody, McKinley confirmed. Subsequently, the boy was charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder and was booked into the juvenile assessment center. Additionally, McKinley stated that the boy’s mother might face a second-degree misdemeanor charge for leaving the gun unsecured.
“As a society, we need to reflect on this. We see this all the time now,” expressed McKinley. “It’s a shame. No one wants to arrest an 11-year-old by any means.”
McKinley also stated that any further charges relating to the incident would be determined by the court system.
“Our hope is that the 11-year-old receives the necessary assistance to ensure that this incident doesn’t define the rest of his life. He’s only 11, with a long life ahead of him,” McKinley remarked. “There’s no doubt that he can turn things around. Hopefully, with diversion programs, counseling, and other resources, our court system can guide him towards a future where resorting to firearms is not his answer.”
McKinley did not disclose the reason behind the altercation, and an investigation is currently underway.
He mentioned that numerous parents and children were present at the football practice, with additional adults and children attending a soccer practice nearby. Thankfully, no one else was harmed.
Apopka is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Orlando, Florida.
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