A 17-year-old boy died late Wednesday after accidentally shooting himself while inside a home on East Ely Street, according to the Alliance Police Department.
Officers responded to the residence around 11:45 p.m. after receiving a call reporting that a friend had shot himself.
Investigators determined the teen had been inside the home with four friends when the incident occurred. While handling a handgun, the firearm discharged, striking him in the head. He was transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton, where he later died.
“We keep having these kids hurting themselves because they think playing with guns is acceptable,” Sgt. Chris McCord said. He noted that drugs and alcohol may have been involved and the investigation is ongoing. “…It was 100% preventable.”
Authorities stated that while the case remains under investigation, there is no indication that anyone else fired the weapon. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
