Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with a May 1 shooting that left a victim with life-threatening injuries, West Plains police report.
Officers initially responded at about 8:30 p.m. to an assault in progress at a home on Shuttee Street. At the scene, officers learned a victim had been shot from across the street with what was initially reported as a BB gun. The victim was transported to Ozarks Healthcare for medical treatment.
A police update provided Wednesday clarified that the weapon used was an air gun and noted the victim sustained multiple life-threatening wounds. During the initial response, the West Plains Special Response Team secured a nearby residence for investigation, though the suspects remained unknown at the time.
Following further investigation, two boys, ages 16 and 17, were identified as suspects. They were arrested Tuesday and referred to the 37th Circuit Juvenile Office on allegations of first-degree assault, armed criminal actio, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the West Plains Police Department Investigative Division at 417-256-2244.
