Playing with a Firearm Leads to Accidental Shooting

SPRING HILL – Yesterday, R News reported the shooting of a 17-year-old male victim that occurred inside a residence at Mariner Cay Apartments. After further investigation, officials deemed the shooting accidental.

According to officials, 18-year-old Thesani James and his friends (the victim) were playing video games when James pulled a firearm out of his backpack to show the victim. James says he did not know the firearm was loaded when he pulled the trigger, striking his friend in the back.

During the initial search, deputies responded to a residence inside the Bridgewater Club Loop Apartments, where they located the suspect. James was transported to the Sheriff's Office for questioning, where he stated the shooting was accidental.

Interviews with the victim and two female witnesses all confirmed James' account and said the shooting was accidental and that James and the victim are friends.

Investigators were able to retrieve the firearm, but James has not revealed where he acquired the firearm.

James was released from custody and returned to his home.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Suspect in Custody After Teen Shot in Back at Apartment Complex

HERNANDO – A suspect is in custody after shooting a 17-year-old in the back at a local apartment complex.

The shooting occurred at Mariner Cay Apartments located on Ridgeline Road (Northcliffe and Mariner) just after noon today.

The victim was transported to a trauma center where his condition is unknown at this time.

The suspect fled the scene but was located a short time later at Bridgewater Club Apartments on Commercial Way. The suspect, who has yet to be identified, was taken into custody without incident.

We will bring more on this story as it develops.