Opa-Locka PD: Man Shoots Boy After Mistaking Paintball Gun For Real Deal
MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — A 10-year-old boy has been shot and wounded after homeowner mistook his paintball gun for the real deal.
Michael Williams, 26, told Opa-locka police his son begged him to drive by a home where young people were gathered Sunday night so he could fire his paintball out the window, according to a police report released Tuesday.
Williams drove by the home as his son fired off several rounds, police said. The homeowner confused the paintball for real gunfire, telling police he thought his family was being attacked. He fired one shot, which struck the child. The boy then lost his balance and was run over by his father's vehicle, police said.
No additional details on the child's injuries or condition were released. Williams drove the child home and his mother called 911, according to police.
The Miami Herald reports the father was charged with child neglect with great bodily harm. According to a police report, Williams "acted recklessly by agreeing to conduct a drive-by paint ball shooting,"
It was not clear if Williams had an attorney who could comment on the charge.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
