Giacomo Bologna

Springfield News-Leader

When he heard someone knocking at the front door of his Springfield home, a 14-year-old boy grabbed a handgun and accidentally shot himself in the leg, police say.

According to Sgt. Tonya Price, the boy was home alone and thought someone was trying to break into the home shortly before noon Friday.

Price said the 14-year-old picked up the gun, which immediately fired.

The boy suffered non-life threatening injuries, Price said, and it's unclear what happened to the person who was knocking at the door.

According to Price, the family recently moved into the home in the 2100 block of North Nettleton Avenue and told police that people have been trying to break into the residence.

Several police officers and a firetruck were still on the scene as of noon Friday.

Family members declined to speak with the News-Leader.