RICHMOND, Va. — A 12-year-old girl is in critical condition after a possibly accidental shooting in Richmond's East End early Tuesday morning, according to Richmond Police.
The shooting happened just before 1:30 a.m. in the 1200 block of Admiral Gravely Boulevard.
According to RPD, a 15-year-old boy, who is a family member of the girl, is now charged after the shooting.
"Children should never play with guns. Never, never, never. Guns are made to injure and guns are made to kill, that's it. So why are we playing with them?" said JJ Minor, president of Richmond Chapter of the NAACP.
Minor emphasized that this accident didn't have to happen.
"If you are a parent and you know that your child has a gun, then you are just as guilty as the folks that are putting guns in our community. Plain and simple. This has got to stop," Minor said.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards echoed those sentiments, saying in a statement that firearms in the hands of young people is "a recipe for tragedy, pain and loss."
The 15-year-old has been charged with reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a minor. Police say more charges could be possible, though no adult has been charged in the incident yet.
Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective S. Brown (804) 646-6456 or contact Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. The P3 Tips Crime Stoppers app for smartphones also may be used. All Crime Stoppers reporting methods are anonymous.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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