West Palm Beach Police (WPBPD) detectives are investigating after an 11-year-old sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg at around 2:30 p.m. Monday.
According to police, nine children of different ages were in the home at 19th Street and Division Avenue at the time of the incident, and the 11-year-old did not live in the home.
In an update by WPBPD Monday night, a 12-year-old was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center after bringing two guns to the house to sell to two other boys. None of these three boys involved was the 11-year-old shooter.
WPBPD says the 12-year-old was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, and one more gun was recovered in the 12-year-old's home.
“The moral of the story here is; kids and guns," West Palm Beach Public Information Officer Mike Jachles said. "A dangerous combination."
It's unclear if adults were at home at the time of the incident and who called 911.
WPTV Reporter Zitlali Solache was on scene and spoke with neighbors who live nearby.
"It’s the parent’s responsibility,” stated Elab Mizrahi. "Safety is number one.”
Detectives are trying to determine the events that led up to the shooting and the owner of the handgun. Police say they have spoken to homeowners and it's unclear if they are being cooperative.
“I have a gun too, so when I put my gun, I put my gun in the safe," shared Mizrahi "So, I make sure my kids don’t have any access to the gun or to any dangerous weapon.”
The 11-year-old was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center and is expected to recover.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
