FORT SMITH (KFSM) — An investigation is continuing for a shooting involving teenagers in Fort Smith on Friday (Dec. 3).
Fort Smith Police responded to a call of a 16-year-old boy who was shot just above his hip at a home in the 1300 block of North 36th Street. Sgt. Daniel Grubbs with Fort Smith Police Department said he was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.
Police officers swarmed the area and detained the alleged suspect. The 17-year-old alleged suspect explained that he shot the gun shot victim to defend his life because the 16-year-old was holding a gun to his head.
Two witnesses who were on the scene told police the gun shot victim had pointed a handgun at the 17-year-old’s head and chest. The 16-year-old allegedly told the 17-year-old to empty his pockets and he did as ordered. The 17-year-old then pulled a .38 revolver from his pocket, shot the 16-year-old and fled the scene.
He hid the firearm somewhere along his escape path and it was located by the police behind a residence in the 1000 block of North 36th street. The 17-year-old male was released after the interview. At the direction of the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, a warrant will be obtained for the 17-year-old for a minor in possession of a firearm.
Investigators attempted to interview the 16-year-old, but he was not cooperative. According to Sgt. Grubbs, he was arrested for aggravated assault – firearm and was taken to the Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center. Police have not been able to locate the other firearm involved in this incident.