A 17-year-old boy in the Sharpstown area has died after he was shot while handling a handgun, according to the Houston Police Department.
The shooting happened in the 6000 block of Fondren Road just before 9:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
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Police say the teen was reportedly showing the weapon to an 18-year-old girl when the gun discharged. Family members inside the home heard the gunshot and rushed to the teen’s aid.
Life-saving measures were performed at the scene before the teen was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
The girl’s relationship to the victim has not been disclosed, and it’s unclear who was holding the weapon when it fired. Police say she is currently at an HPD station providing a statement to investigators.
At the scene, HPD Sgt. Mark Holbrook urged the public to take firearm safety seriously.
“Be careful,” Holbrook said. “Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, and don’t allow people under 21 — minors — to have access. Take care of your firearms.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have not said whether any charges will be filed.