Teen charged with aggravated battery in connection with Saturday shooting

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County authorities arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the shooting of another 16-year-old male Saturday at The Villages at Castleberry Subdivision.

Responding to a 9-1-1 call, deputies learned the two teens were home alone and had acquired a handgun belonging to the parents of one of the juveniles. Sheriff’s Deputies, Forsyth County Fire and EMS arrived on scene and began lifesaving first aid of the juvenile who was injured.

The preliminary investigation revealed the juveniles were playing with the handgun and had apparently loaded and unloaded it several times when the juvenile living at the home pointed the weapon at the other and discharged a single round striking him in the abdomen

Detectives with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit arrived on scene shortly thereafter to begin an initial investigation. Detectives believe that alcohol and drugs were a factor in the shooting. Both juveniles attend school in Forsyth County.

The injured juvenile is in stable condition at an area hospital. The juvenile who fired the handgun has been charged with Aggravated Battery and Minor in Possession of a Firearm and is currently in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation.