Centralia Police have arrested a 14-year-old male juvenile for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after he allegedly shot himself in the leg while playing football.
Centralia Police Lieutenant Steve Whritenour reports officers initially responded to Laura Leake Park after receiving several 911 calls about shots fired at the park. As officers were arriving, a vehicle was seen traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Rexford with hazard lights on. One officer was able to make contact with the vehicle on the parking lot of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, where they learned the 14-year-old was being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Whritenour says officers began speaking to individuals at the park. Several said they heard a loud pop, but no one saw an argument going on around the park. No blood, weapon, or shell casing was located.
Centralia police officers at the hospital spoke with the juvenile, along with a male guardian. Based on the entrance and exit wounds, it appeared the projectile had travelled in a downward trajectory. Whritenour says the 14-year-old admitted he had a firearm in his waistband while he was playing football, at which time the gun went off.
The video from the area is still being reviewed, and no weapon has been recovered. Police are still investigating how the juvenile came to be in possession of the firearm.
The juvenile was released on a notice to appear in court.
If anyone has any additional information about the case, they are encouraged to contact the Investigations Division of the Centralia Police Department at 618-533-7608.
