FOLEY, Ala. — A Foley teen shooting inside a car carrying three juveniles left a 16-year-old hospitalized on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and the Foley Police Department is working to piece together exactly how the gun was fired. The teen was struck once in the torso and was listed in stable condition at a hospital.
Investigators said early evidence points to an accidental discharge, but they have not ruled out criminal charges. Police said they do not believe the public is in any danger.
What Police Know About the Foley Teen Shooting
The Foley Police Department said officers received a report of a teenager suffering from a single gunshot wound. According to the department, three juveniles had been riding around together in a car in the area of North Pine Street when a gun went off inside the vehicle.
The round hit the 16-year-old in the torso. The teen was taken for medical care and, as of the latest update from police, was in stable condition.
Police have not released the names of anyone involved. Because all three people in the car are minors, their identities are generally protected.
Accidental, but Charges Remain Possible
Detectives told the public they currently believe the shooting was accidental. Even so, the department said criminal charges could still follow once the investigation is complete.
That is not unusual in cases involving an unintentional shooting. Investigators typically look at who owned the firearm, how the juveniles came to have access to it, how it was being handled when it fired and whether any laws were broken along the way. Under Alabama law, the way a firearm is handled and who has access to it can carry legal consequences even when no one meant for anyone to be hurt. Any decision on charges would come after police review the evidence, often in consultation with prosecutors.
No Ongoing Threat to the Community
Foley police said they do not believe there is a threat to the public connected to the shooting. Officers have not indicated that anyone outside the vehicle was involved.
The same day, police were also handling an unrelated morning arrest near two Foley schools. The department said the teen shooting does not appear to be connected to that case.
Firearm Safety and Young People
Unintentional shootings involving teenagers are among the most preventable kinds of gun injuries. Safety advocates and law enforcement agencies consistently recommend a few basic steps for households with firearms:
- Store guns unloaded and locked, with ammunition kept separately.
- Use a lockbox, safe or cable lock so minors cannot get to a weapon on their own.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, and never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Talk with teens about what to do if they see a gun, including leaving the area and telling a trusted adult.
Families looking for free safety resources can find information through Project ChildSafe, a national firearm safety education program that distributes free gun locks through participating law enforcement agencies.
How to Share Information
Anyone who has information that could help investigators is encouraged to contact the Foley Police Department. General information about the department is available through the City of Foley website. In an emergency, always call 911.
This is a developing story, and details may change as police release more information. For more news from the area, visit our Foley section and our public safety coverage.
