Police: Boy In Stable Condition After Shooting Himself In The Leg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An 11-year-old boy is in stable condition after reportedly shooting himself Saturday afternoon, according to authorities. After several hours of investigation, police have more questions than answers.
Initial reports stated the unidentified child was playing with a group of children at Vare Recreation Center on 26th and Morris streets when he found a revolver by the basketball court, according to authorities.
According to police, the boy claims upon picking up the gun, he shot himself once in the left leg. The child was able to run to his home in the 1500 block of South 26th Street, and from there he was taken to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia by his older brother, police say.
However, investigators say the story does not add up. Police have been unable to confirm that a shooting took place inside the recreational center and they are looking into other possible locations.
City Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson says the area was equipped with surveillance cameras.
"We saw no evidence of the young man or a shooting at the location," said Slawson, who added there was also no evidence of blood at the center. However, police say there was blood near the child's home and a bucket of water and rags, implying someone attempted to clean up the scene.
Robin Rieger reports...
"We just hope he is all right," said neighbor Sherif Jones.
Tonight, police are hoping to solve some of the unanswered questions. Authorities say the child underwent surgery and is doing okay.
