Ron Wilkins

Journal & Courier

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A bullet from a high-powered rifle tore through a 14-year-old girl's leg as she slept in her bed in the 3900 block of Amelia Avenue, police said.

A 17-year-old boy accidentally fired the round from his rifle as he cleaned it about 3 a.m. Saturday, Lafayette police Sgt. Scott Galloway said. The boy was three apartments away from the victim, and the bullet had to travel through several walls before striking the sleeping teen.

The first Lafayette police officer on the scene applied a tourniquet to the girl's leg to control the bleeding, which likely saved her life, Galloway said.

The girl, who was transferred to an Indianapolis hospital, will make a full recovery, Galloway said.

Meanwhile, detectives are investigating the shooting and will submit their findings to the prosecutor's office for review.

Reach Journal & Courier reporter Ron Wilkins at 765-420-5231.