SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Springfield Township police say a 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after an apparent accidental shooting Thursday night in Summit County.
According to Springfield Township Police Chief Jack Simone, officers were called to the 2300 block of Waterloo Road at approximately 11 p.m. for a shooting incident. When police arrived, they found a 16-year-old victim had sustained a gunshot wound.
Investigators determined that the victim and a 17-year-boy had access to a handgun. The 17-year-old was apparently pointing the gun at the 16-year-old victim when it went off. The 16-year-old was shot in the chest.
The victim was treated by members of the Springfield Township Fire Department and transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
"It's uncertain how the boys obtained the gun that was owned by the victim's father," Simone told 3News in an email. "The shooting appears at this time to have been accidental, however the incident is still under investigation by our Detectives."
Both teens are students of Akron Public Schools.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of the accidental shooting of one of our students. Our prayers are with this young man and his family and with the other young man who was with him at the time this occurred," said Akron Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Robinson in a statement. "Our crisis teams are ready to support the Ellet Community Learning Center family during this difficult time."
In the department's release, Simone said the 17-year-old was apprehended by Springfield Township police and is "currently facing initial charges for felonious assault."
"The Springfield Township Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident; therefore, some details are yet to be disclosed to the public. Updates on the investigation will be shared as they become available. The Akron Public Schools has been notified of this tragic incident, and appropriate support services are being offered to students affected by this distressing event," Simone noted in the department's release.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their family during this challenging time," Simone added.
