Accidental Shooting Sends Teen To Emergency Room

Investigations are ongoing in what Sacramento Sheriff’s Department officials are reporting as an accidental shooting involving a group of teenage boys, Monday evening in Fair Oaks.

The shooting occurred at about 9 p.m. on the 5600 block of Ritz Way, when a 17-year-old boy was shot in the chest, Sheriff’s spokesman, Jason Ramos said.

Ramos reports the boys were likely passing around a medium-caliber handgun, most likely a .357 revolver, when it accidentally went off.

“We’re not sure if the boys knew the gun was loaded,” Ramos said.

The teen was rushed into emergency surgery at Mercy San Juan Medical Center.

Sheriffs deputies found the gun hidden in bushes alongside the property, wrapped in a white T-shirt. Along with the handgun, two other hidden rifles were recovered nearby as well. Ramos could not provide what types of rifles were recovered.

The victim’s friends were questioned, but “were not being forthcoming,” said Ramos.

“There were some gaps in their stories,” said Ramos.

Information is still being gathered in the accident, and no further details could be officially reported as further investigation is now being turned over to Sheriff’s detective units, said Ramos.

“It appears it was just some kids screwing around with rifles,” said Ramos. “When the gun went off they panicked and quickly hid the guns.”