A 13-year-old boy died at a hospital after being shot in Phoenix Tuesday morning, police say.
According to Phoenix PD, the shooting happened just after 11 a.m. at an apartment complex near 19th Avenue and Roeser Road.
Although police initially thought the shooting was accidental, they say the 16-year-old later made admissions surrounding "antics" with the gun that resulted in Miles being shot.
Police say Miles was visiting his 16-year-old friend. Miles was lying down in a bedroom when his friend entered the room with a handgun he had just acquired, according to police.
According to police, the 16-year-old boy was showing off the gun which resulted in Miles being shot.
Miles was taken to a hospital where he later died. The 16-year-old boy was detained at the Maricopa Juvenile Court Center, according to police.
“There doesn’t appear to be any animosity or ill-will intent by the 16-year-old young man. But carelessly handling the weapon caused it to discharge, caused it to strike Arthur Miles, which appears to be the cause of death," said Sgt. Tommy Thompson with Phoenix police.
Thompson said no adults knew the teen had a gun.
He encourages shooters to remember their saying “TAB plus 1”:
- Treat every gun like it’s loaded.
- Always aim in a safe direction.
- Be sure of your target.
- Plus, don’t put your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to fire.