Police report that an 11-year-old boy discharged a firearm following a football practice dispute over snacks.
Prosecutors are currently deliberating on the appropriate course of action for the 11-year-old, who is now facing charges of attempted murder.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on Monday night at the Northwest Recreation Complex near Jason Dwelley Parkway, just as practice was concluding.
On Tuesday, police provided Channel 9 with surveillance footage of the incident. The video shows the boy retrieving the gun from his mother’s car, raising it, and aiming it at another child who had his back turned.
State Attorney Andrew Bain stated on Tuesday that his office has yet to determine the best way to hold the boy accountable for allegedly shooting his 13-year-old Pop Warner teammate in the back.
Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley said during a press conference on Tuesday that, “I don’t think there’s a need to stack on charges on an 11-year-old child (who) has no criminal history.”
According to witnesses, the 13-year-old had been tormenting the shooter and getting into a physical altercation with him over a bag of chips.
Surveillance footage depicts the parking lot scene, where the 11-year-old fled towards his mother’s car while being pursued by the 13-year-old.
Rather than entering the car as anticipated, the younger boy retrieved a firearm from an unlocked box beneath the front seat, as per police reports.
He proceeded to pursue the departing 13-year-old, firing at him from behind in the midst of a group of teenagers.
The purported shooter’s mother then circled the car, apprehending him as he appeared confrontational, and directed him into the back of her vehicle while displaying strong emotions.
Kelvin Cobaris, a pastor, stated that the alleged shooter should have distanced himself from the situation.
“We’ve got to teach them that conflict resolution (means you have to) sometimes to walk away,” he said. “The conflict is not so much where the kids are, because these kids were in a safe place. The conflict comes in making sure that we, at home, are instilling values.”
The second 13-year-old was struck in the elbow by the same bullet. Fortunately, both victims are anticipated to make a complete recovery.
The individual in question is too young to face adult charges in Florida.
