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Girl finds gun while visiting grandparents in Ogden, accidentally shoots teen sister in neck

Posted at 7:20 PM, Sep 20, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-20 23:12:53-04

OGDEN, Utah — A 13-year-old girl was shot in the neck by her 11-year-old sister in Ogden Sunday, and authorities said the girl’s injuries are not life-threatening and that the incident was an accident.

According to a press release from the Ogden Police Department, officers responded just after 3 p.m. to the 100 North block of Pingree Avenue on reports there was a shooting.

A 13-year-old girl had been shot in the neck, and the gun in question is an older model .22-caliber revolver.

The release states the two girls were visiting their grandparents, and while alone in the bedroom they found the firearm.

“Moments after finding the gun, the 11-year-old accidentally discharged the firearm striking the 13-year-old in the neck,” according to the press release.

The bullet entered the teen’s neck, but didn’t penetrate deeply enough to cause life-threatening injury. When police arrived, the teen was conscious and alert but, “obviously shaken up.”

The teen was transported to a hospital in “good spirits” and will likely have surgery to remove the bullet.

The names of the juveniles have not been released. Police stated no charges have been filed at this point, but the investigation is ongoing.

The press release states things could have been much worse in this case.

“Today’s incident and events like it can be devastating to families, and the Ogden City Police Department urges everyone to lock away and secure all firearms,” the release states.” These events can easily be avoided by simply locking away firearms and not leaving them loaded.”