Alonzo Small

The News Journal

A shooting on the 300 block of New Castle Ave. in Wilmington, that left a 15-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, was accidental and self-inflicted, police said.

Further investigation indicated the 15-year-old teen retrieved a handgun from inside of his residence, went into the backyard of the residence where a number of other juvenile family members were present, Sgt. Andrea Janvier, a Wilmington police spokeswoman said. The teen began spinning the handgun around in his hands and accidentally shot himself once in the chest, Janvier said.

A 911 call was received from within the residence alerting police to the shooting, Janvier said. Wilmington police patrol officers responded to the shooting about 4:16 p.m., Janvier said. However, the victim was taken to the Wilmington Hospital by private vehicle prior to police arrival, Janvier said.

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The teen was transported to Christiana Hospital where he is listed in critical condition, Janvier said.

Members of the Criminal Investigative Division are currently investigating this incident and anyone with information is asked to call (302) 576-3620.

No further information is available at this time.

Contact Alonzo Small at (302) 324-2856 or asmall@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @P_AlonzoSmall.

MAP: Delaware crime