E. Toledo boy, 10, is shot accidentally by a juvenile

10/4/2004

A 10-year-old East Toledo boy was hurt seriously last night in what police say was an accidental shooting in an alley behind 244 White St. near Ravine Parkway.

Sgt. Greg Smith said the child was in surgery for a wound to the abdomen in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. His name and condition were not available.

The boy was visiting his grandparents on White and talking outside with two acquaintances who apparently walked up to the backyard from an alley shortly after 5 p.m., Sergeant Smith said. The boy lives nearby.

A 13-year-old was showing a 38-caliber handgun given to him earlier in the day by the 16-year-old boy who accompanied him to the White Street residence. The gun discharged, striking the 10-year-old.

The weapon was found later, but police said the 16-year-old did not give a satisfactory explanation of how he originally obtained it.

"We don't believe it came from a parent," Sergeant Smith said. "[The 16-year-old boy] gave us a couple of different stories."

The two youngsters were questioned at the Safety Building and were expected to be released to their parents. Charges are pending, Sergeant Smith said.

The grandfather of the injured boy was working in the garage and the grandmother was inside when the shooting occurred.