Article published Nov 12, 2007
CRIME & SAFETY
Boy shot while hunting
Two boys weren't closely supervised, deputies say
By NATE KARLIN
The Leaf-Chronicle
A 10-year-old boy was shot in the arm and stomach Sunday while he
and another 10-year-old boy were squirrel hunting with a 22-caliber
rifle.
Sheriff's Public Information Officer Ted Denny said a bullet
ricocheted off the arm of Austin Lee and hit his stomach.
The two boys were shooting in a wooded area in the 5900 block of
Paul Road in Southside.
A parent was with the boys but not in close proximity when the
shooting occurred, Denny said.
Denny didn't know if the boys were wearing bright-colored hunting
vests or other gear easily spotted in woods.
Lee was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Vanderbilt University
Medical Center.
Denny said Lee's wound was not life-threatening.
"Even though he is in serious condition, it is a survivable wound,"
Denny said Sunday afternoon.
Denny said an adult, possibly a hunter, also was present.
The man pulled Lee from the woods before fleeing the scene, he
said. Denny said the two boys and eye witnesses knew the man, who has
a warrant issued for his arrest on an unrelated charge.
The Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting.
"Any weapon, even a pellet gun, can injure you, can kill you,"
Denny said. "If you have 10-year-olds, they need to be supervised.
It's a good rule of thumb when you're discharging a firearm, you have
an adult present."
