Police: 19-Year-Old Woman Accidentally Shot By 13-Year-Old Boy After Target Practice

BATTLE CREEK (WWJ) - A 19-year-old woman is hospitalized after authorities say she was accidentally shot by a younger teen.

According to officials with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department, the woman and a 13-year-old boy had just finished target practice Monday behind a home in Pennfield Township, in the Battle Creek area, when it happened.

"When they were done they were walking back to up the house when the 13-year-old didn't realize the gun was still loaded and accidentally touched off a round which hit the 19-year-old in the right side," said Lt. Aaron Wiersma.

The woman was rushed into surgery and was last listed in "critical but stable" condition.

Wiersma stressed the issues of gun safety following the incident.

"Everyone who does target shooting or has anything to do with a firearm should go through some type of a...either a hunters' safety or some kind of class first," he said.

It was not immediately clear if there would be any charges in connection with the shooting. Wiersma said information would be sent to the county prosecutor for consideration.

No names were released.