NORFOLK, Va. — Two Maury High School students now face criminal charges after one was taken to the hospital after shooting himself in the hand on Friday, according to police.
According to a spokesperson, the 17-year-old who shot himself has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property, shooting into an occupied school, reckless handling of a firearm, concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Detectives determined during the investigation that another student—a 16-year-old—had the firearm after the accidental shooting occurred. That student has been charged with possession of a firearm by a minor and possession of a firearm on school property.
School officials initially said the student was holding ammunition and set it on fire causing an explosion. There were also reports of a gun causing the school to be placed on lockdown after the incident.
A school spokesperson Barbara Hunter said the male student was reportedly holding one or two rounds of ammunition in his hands when he lit them on fire around 1:15 p.m., causing them to explode.
Police are now saying that the student had a gun at school and it accidentally went off leaving him with a gunshot wound to his hand.
The student was treated by a nurse on school property before being taken to a local hospital for treatment. No one else was harmed.
At 3 p.m, the lockdown at the school was lifted.
It's unclear if the two students who were charged will face disciplinary action at school.
No other information was released at this time.