GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A 16-year-old was shot in the leg by officers early Friday morning in return fire at a Gwinnett County apartment complex, according to police. He is being charged as an adult.
The Gwinnett County Police Department said in a release that the incident began with a call from a mother who said her son "was armed with a handgun and possibly under the influence of drugs."
The incident was reported at the complex at 1400 Chase Lane, the Bloom at Dawson apartments.
When the first officer arrived, police said the mom "pointed out her son to the officer in the parking lot, and the officer attempted to make contact."
"The officer was engaged in a brief foot pursuit while giving verbal commands for the teenager to drop his weapon. As the teen approached the 500 building, he turned around and fired multiple shots at the officer. The officer returned fire, striking him in the leg," GCPD said.
The department added that responding officers applied a tourniquet to the injury and that he was treated at a hospital. The injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Police said the teen was in possession of two guns when the first officer arrived, "but discarded one during the foot pursuit after it appeared to have malfunctioned." Police later learned that one of the firearms in the teen's possession was reported stolen.
The Norcross teen is accused of aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, obstruction, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a person younger than 18, and theft by receiving stolen property.
After being treated for his injuries in the hospital, the teen will be formally book at the Gwinnett County Jail and taken to a youth detention facility.
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