Utica teen charged after accidentally shooting himself with loaded handgun

UTICA, N.Y. — A 16-year-old male who was injured in a shooting earlier this month has been charged with criminal possession of a firearm after authorities determined he accidentally shot himself, Utica Police announced Thursday.

The teen suffered a gunshot wound to the leg while inside a residence on the 900 block of Sunset Avenue. The incident was first reported on May 22, and police say the firearm involved was a loaded Glock found near where the shooting occurred.

Following an investigation by the department’s Major Crimes and Juvenile Aid Units, it was determined that the juvenile negligently discharged the weapon, causing his own injury. He has been formally charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

“Through the investigation it was learned that the juvenile negligently discharged the firearm causing the injuries to himself,” Utica Police stated.

Loaded handgun recovered at scene of self-inflicted shooting

Due to his age, the identity of the juvenile has not been released. The circumstances surrounding how the teen obtained the handgun remain under investigation.

The Major Crimes Unit continues to lead the case, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

A Utica teen was charged after accidentally shooting himself with a loaded Glock found inside a Sunset Avenue residence.

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