Pierce County prosecutors on Thursday filed two weapons charges against a 15-year-old boy suspected of shooting at rival gang members outside a Parkland fast-food restaurant.
The teen, who The News Tribune is not identifying because he is underage, faces one count of unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
He has not been arraigned and remains in custody at Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center.
Sheriff’s detectives are still investigating Monday’s shooting in the 11000 block of Pacific Avenue. Additional charges could be filed against the teen, deputy prosecuting attorney Kevin Benton said.
According to charging papers:
Deputies responded about noon to the restaurant and found the eight to 10 teenagers involved in the gunfire had fled. Witnesses said the group argued inside the restaurant and then walked outside. Multiple shots were fired, one of which hit a 15-year-old boy in the hand.
The teen facing weapons charges was seen carrying a rifle and jumping over a nearby fence.
“The subject with the rifle or shotgun appeared to be having a problem firing the weapon at one point, as if it had jammed,” documents state.
Deputies found the teen and discovered several .22-caliber bullets in his pocket.
The teen initially denied being involved in the shooting, then told deputies a group of men confronted one of his friends and lifted their shirts to show they were armed with handguns.
He admitted firing his rifle at the other group and led deputies to the gun, which had a cartridge in the chamber as well as the bullet from the misfired round. The weapon held seven other cartridges.
Authorities said the teen has two prior convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.