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A report of shots fired Saturday, June 18, in Franklin was followed by a juvenile being transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound and another juvenile being taken into custody as the alleged assailant, according to a Franklin Police Department news release.

The release stated that at approximately 11:11 a.m. on June 18, Franklin police officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Bogart Street for a report of shots fired. 

Upon arrival, contact was made with a 14-year-old Franklin resident who had sustained a gunshot wound to his back and a 16-year-old Franklin resident whose leg had been grazed by a bullet, police said, adding that the 14-year-old victim was transported to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters for treatment of a critical injury, and the 16-year-old victim required no medical care.  

Officers initiated an investigation and identified the alleged assailant as a 16-year-old Franklin resident, the release noted. Juvenile petitions were secured for malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, discharging a firearm in a public place, underage possession of a firearm and reckless handling of a firearm. 

The alleged juvenile offender was taken into custody and transported to Chesapeake Juvenile Services Detention Center.

The FPD was assisted by, and extended thanks to, the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police for their assistance.

The release concluded by stating that if anyone has information about this crime or other criminal activity within the city of Franklin, they are asked to call Franklin Police at 757-562-8575, Franklin Crime Solvers at 757-516-7100 or contact the FPD online at p3tips.com. Information that leads to an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward while remaining anonymous.