PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A 15-year-old boy was injured in the abdomen and thigh during a shooting incident Sunday that was "shocking and completely preventable," Portsmouth's police chief said in a statement on Monday morning.
The incident happened around 1:45 p.m. in the London Oaks Apartments off Virginia Avenue. Chief Stephen Jenkins said it happened due to an unsecured firearm.
"As Chief of Police, I am deeply frustrated, " he said. "Even more alarmingly, it appears that before our officers even arrived on the scene, the adults and others present took it upon themselves to try and rid the residence of any additional illegal firearms or paraphernalia before dialing 911."
He added, "Such actions not only endanger lives but also impede our ability to conduct a thorough investigation."
The boy was taken to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) for treatment. Police have not provided an update on his condition, citing the ongoing investigation.
Adults present at the time of the incident initially told police that a small child shot the weapon, but investigators have been unable to confirm that, Jenkins said.
Police say three people will be charged with child neglect: Maurice Savage, Naomi Savage, and Demetric Ralph.
"This incident is a stark reminder of the dire need for responsible gun ownership and the absolute necessity to keep firearms out of the reach of children," Jenkins said. "This level of negligence is unacceptable, and it is crucial that as a community, we come together to prevent such tragedies from happening again."
In a separate statement, city councilman Bill Moody said, "Kids should not have access to guns and those who allow children to have access to guns should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
If you have any information that may help police, you're asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-562-5887. People can also use P3 Tips to submit a tip online.