Lebanon boy shot in apparent accident

A 14-year-old Lebanon boy was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after being shot in the abdomen late Friday night.
Police suspect a 15-year-old boy shot the younger teen with a stolen handgun.
The shooting occurred at 116 Hammond Avenue, Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen said Sunday.
"The officers answered to find a 14-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was transported to Vanderbilt," Bowen said. "The situation is still under investigation. The 15-year-old suspect said he purchased the gun in the Upton Heights area, but the gun has actually been reported stolen, so that's also under investigation."
Apparently the teenagers, whose names have not been released, were "playing" with the firearm in the Hammond Avenue home when it went off, Bowen said.
"The suspect thought the victim had left the house," Bowen explained. "When he heard movement behind him, he turned around and the gun discharged. Nothing vital was struck, which was very fortunate. It's a scary situation when you have a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old playing with a gun.
"Tragic situations happen every day involving guns and teenagers," the police chief continued. "Parents have got to watch their children more carefully. This could've been a lot worse than it was. It's a scary thought."
Although the incident appeared to be accidental, possible charges against the shooter will be decided by Youth Services today, Bowen said.
The victim was released from VUMC on Saturday morning.