A family argument in Bullhead City turned into a near disaster Saturday night, when police say a 17-year-old boy fired multiple shots at his 35-year-old uncle outside a home, narrowly missing both his relative and a neighbor inside the next house over.
The uncle was not hurt, but investigators say one stray round punched into a nearby residence and passed over a man's head while children were playing close by. According to police, the teen's mother drove him to the station later that night, where he was arrested.
Officers responded to the 1600 block of Dean Drive around 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 and found several shell casings scattered in the front yard, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. The 35-year-old uncle told investigators the dispute started inside the home and that he was trying to drive away when his nephew allegedly opened fire.
Police said in a statement that children were outside nearby at the time of the shooting, and a homeowner reported a bullet had come through his house and passed just over his head, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The teenager's mother reportedly turned him in around 9:20 p.m. He was booked on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder, discharging a firearm at a residence, endangerment and misconduct with a weapon.
Charges and Juvenile Court Rules
Because the suspect is 17, officials have not released his name. Under Arizona law, county attorneys can prosecute 15- to 17-year-olds accused of certain violent felonies "in the same manner as an adult," and there are specific procedures that govern when a case can move between criminal and juvenile court.
Those decisions are guided by A.R.S. §13-501 and §13-504, which lay out when and how a juvenile can face adult charges in Arizona.
Investigation and Community Resources
Bullhead City investigators say the case remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact the department. The Bullhead City Police Department lists non-emergency dispatch at (928) 763-1999 and a main line at (928) 763-9200, and arrested suspects are processed through the Mohave County Jail in Kingman. For full contact details, see the Bullhead City Police Department.
Authorities say additional details or charges could be released as detectives and prosecutors continue to review the evidence.
