A 14-year-old Mt. Vernon female juvenile was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital for treatment after sustaining a gunshot wound to her leg.
Centralia Police Chief Chris Locke says the incident was first reported as an injury sustained in a fall. Centralia Fire and EMS were called to the 600 block of East Rasback to assist around 8:15 Saturday morning.
The Police Department was later informed the alleged victim and a friend had been visiting two individuals at the residence in that area. At some point, one of the individuals they were visiting displayed a firearm and while handling it, the firearm was alleged to have accidentally discharged which struck the victim in the leg.
A 15-year-old Centralia male juvenile was taken into custody but was later released due to no space being available at a state juvenile facility. The suspect was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated assault, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
All of those involved in the incident were juveniles.
Centralia Police thank State Police and Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies for their assistance.
