A 13-year-old girl was wounded in a shooting incident in Gastonia, North Carolina, and a 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the attack, local authorities report. The Gastonia Police Department responded to an emergency call at approximately 4:45 p.m. yesterday, according to QC News. The shooting occurred on Bryant Street, a residential area situated off Linwood Road.
The responding officers discovered the young girl with a gunshot wound to her abdomen. The unidentified boy suspected in the shooting was arrested and is facing serious charges including attempted 1st degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and possession of a handgun by a minor. The exact circumstances preceding the shooting are still, under investigation. Due to their juvenile status, further details about the individuals involved have not been disclosed by the police.
WCNC reports that the ongoing investigation aims to piece together the events that led to the violent outcome. Authorities have yet to release information regarding what may have sparked the encounter or if the teens knew each other prior to the incident.
The condition of the 13-year-old victim was reported to be stable, as per a statement obtained by WSOCTV. The same source indicated that the crime scene was located on Sunshine Avenue, around 5 p.m., where the police acted swiftly to secure the area and provide assistance to the victim.
