A 13-year-old Massachusetts boy will appear in juvenile court Tuesday after allegedly shooting a 12-year-old boy with a rifle Monday.

Police said they are investigating possible messaging between the two boys and possible Facebook bullying.



Taunton police said the incident happened around 12:15 p.m. in the area of 100 Highstone St. The two boys are neighbors and live near the scene.

After an argument, police say the teen felt threatened. He allegedly went home, unlocked a gun safe and retrieved a .22 long rifle. He went back and shot the victim in a wooded area, according to police.

The shot went through the boy's arm, out the inside of his elbow and into his rib cage.

He was taken to Hasbro Children’s Hospital and is listed in stable condition.

The suspect ran home after the shooting and locked himself inside. Police arrived shortly after and surrounded the home.

The teen came out of the home while on the phone with his mother shortly after and was taken into custody. He is being held by the Department for Children, Youth and Families.

He faces charges of assault and battery with a deadly weapon and firing a gun within 500 feet of a dwelling.

Neither boy's identity has been released.