Sheriff: Boy, 12, shoots 11-year-old neighbor with assault rifle

Youngsville, N.C. — A 12-year-old boy accidentally shot an 11-year-old boy with a military-style, high-powered assault rifle on Friday afternoon, Franklin County Sheriff Pat Green said.

The 11-year-old, Giovann Lopez, was jumping on a trampoline during a birthday celebration when he was shot once at 4842 U.S. Highway 401, outside of Youngsville, around 4:30 p.m.

The bullet went through Lopez's arm, grazed his chest and hit his other arm, taking out some flesh, Green said.

Lopez was taken to WakeMed in Raleigh, and Green said the boy was expected to recover.

The 12-year-old boy was playing with the rifle when he shot Lopez, deputies said. The boys are neighbors and friends.

Deputies arrested the 12-year-old's father, Pablo Mendoza, 31, and charged him with misdemeanor failing to secure a weapon. He was released from jail on a written promise to appear in court.

Green said that the Franklin County district attorney will decide whether to charge the 12-year-old boy.