HICKORY, N.C. — A 12-year-old boy was shot late Wednesday evening, Hickory police investigators said.
Officers responded to the scene at a home on 6th Avenue SW, near 7th Street SW.
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The police department said it received a call just after 6:15 p.m. about a group of juveniles outside a house. The caller said they were threatening to assault her 16-year-old grandson, who was inside.
While authorities were on their way, another caller said several shots had been fired behind the home.
At the scene, officers found a 12-year-old shot, lying next to the road. The boy had been carried away from the home by another juvenile, police said. He was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Investigators said the 16-year-old boy, who was inside the home, was identified as the shooter and remained at the scene.
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Channel 9′s Ken Lemon obtained security camera video that helps show the house was under siege by a group of juveniles. The homeowners said police advised them to leave their home but they refused.
The grandmother said the group sent recorded messages to her 16-year-old grandson and two other grandchildren. She said those he received via Snapchat said, “come out in five minutes or we are coming in.”
She told Lemon that she then ran into another room of the house and called 911, while the group circled the house. A short time later, she heard shots from at least two different guns.
The grandmother said she believes her grandson was defending himself. The 12-year-old, who was shot, was in the group outside.
“If I had been in that house, I would have been firing a gun also. I have a gun and I would have been tempted to use it,” a neighbor said.
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The 16-year-old was questioned and released from custody Wednesday night. Police said they are meeting the district attorney to decide if charges should be filed.
The grandparents didn’t say who owns the gun the 16-year-old fired, but said people have come to the house before targeting the teen.
“It’s just sad. I hope that they can counsel these kids to learn better ways,” a neighbor said.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
(WATCH BELOW: CMPD investigating after child seriously hurt in east Charlotte shooting)
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