A 16-year-old boy was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after he was shot in the abdomen in the 10900 block of Taney Drive in Spotsylvania County on Monday evening.
Deputies responded to the Salem Fields neighborhood at approximately 6:30 p.m. and located the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Witnesses described two individuals who may have been involved. According to a release from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, deputies located the two suspects on an adjacent street and attempted to question them.
During the encounter, police said, one of the suspects began making movements toward his waistband. A brief struggle ensued, and deputies recovered a firearm from the 15-year-old. Both individuals were detained.
The 15-year-old was arrested and charged with possession of a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18.
The investigation is ongoing. Both the victim and the suspect are students in Spotsylvania County Public Schools. The sheriff’s office is providing no further updates on the victim’s condition.
Courtland High School Principal Cliff Conway emailed parents Monday night, informing them of the incident. Conway wrote that the school will have additional police presence on campus Tuesday and also encouraged parents to allow their children to report any information they may have about the incident to authorities.
“We are aware that hearing about or witnessing youth violence in our community, such as this incident, may impact our students,” Conway wrote. “If your child is feeling anxious or stressed, our school counselors are available to support students as needed. We encourage you to reach out to us if assistance is needed for your child.”
