A 16-year-old Harrison High School student died Tuesday afternoon in an accidental shooting, and a 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide in connection with the incident, according to Boone County Sheriff Roy Martin.
Deputies responded to a residence on Hickenbottom Road just after 4:00 p.m. to investigate reports of a juvenile who had been shot. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the 16-year-old victim deceased. Sheriff Martin said an initial investigation determined that a group of boys had been gathered at the location and appeared to be using controlled substances while handling a loaded firearm. The weapon discharged, striking the victim.
The 17-year-old, believed to have been handling the firearm at the time, was subsequently taken into custody. He has been placed in a juvenile detention center in Bentonville. The victim's body, along with other evidence from the scene, has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for further analysis.
This tragic incident has shaken the Harrison School District during the first week of the school year. District administrators had extra counselors available on Wednesday for students and staff and plan to continue those supportive measures on Thursday.
The investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing.