Teen accidentally shot, killed while firing at cans

7/17/2006

SYCAMORE, Ohio - A 17-year-old boy died Saturday night after being accidentally shot while shooting cans with friends, authorities said.

The boy, Derrick J. Hoepf of Sycamore and four teenage friends had been outside placing aerosol cans near small grass fires and shooting them to produce fireballs. Police determined Derrick was accidently shot by a friend moments after placing a dirt can on the ground, according to a statement from Wyandot County Sheriff Michael Hetzel.

The friends called 911, and paramedics later transported Derrick by helicopter to Wyandot Memorial Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 9:45 p.m.

The case remains under investigation.