Bradenton Man Shot Stepsons, Police Say

BRADENTON, FL — An argument between a 36-year-old Bradenton man and his 19-year-old stepson took a violent turn Thursday morning when police say gunshots were fired. The 19-year-old and a 12-year-old boy ended up hospitalized.

According to the Bradenton Police Department, the shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. July 6 at a home in the 1900 block of Sixth Avenue East. Police say Joshua Rapolla and his stepson Rufus Adams got into a verbal argument. Adams, an email from police said, armed himself during the argument and Rapolla reportedly did the same.

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“The argument escalated and the stepfather fired his weapon,” the email said. The shooting was directed at Adams, but police say the 12-year-old was also hit. The boy getting injured, police added, appears to have been accidental.

When police arrived at the home, they say Rapolla identified himself as the shooter.

Adams was taken to Blake Medical Center with gunshot wounds to his head and upper body. The 12-year-old, who has not been identified, is being treated at All Children’s Hospital for a gunshot wound to his lower body.

No charges have been announced at this time. Further information is not yet being released.

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