An argument that initially revolved around a bag of chips took a shocking turn in Apopka, Florida, where an 11-year-old boy allegedly opened fire on two 13-year-olds during a Pop Warner football practice, as reported by local law enforcement.
The incident unfolded at a local recreation center during an evening practice session. Eyewitnesses described a heated dispute between the three boys, all of whom were involved in the football program. The argument apparently began over a bag of chips and quickly escalated.
According to witness accounts, the older teens, both aged 13, pursued and confronted the 11-year-old after the disagreement. In response, the younger child reportedly retrieved a firearm from his mother’s car.
Surveillance footage captured the older teenagers chasing the 11-year-old towards the parked car. It was beneath the passenger seat of this vehicle that the 11-year-old allegedly found a handgun. In a shocking turn of events, as one of the 13-year-olds began walking away, the 11-year-old reportedly fired the weapon, injuring both older teens.
Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley expressed his bewilderment and concern regarding the incident, saying, “The use of a firearm by an 11-year-old to resolve a dispute is beyond comprehension.”
Local law enforcement responded to the scene shortly before 8:30 pm, where they found a large crowd gathered around one of the injured 13-year-olds. The 11-year-old was also present, visibly distressed. Both of the injured teenagers were subsequently hospitalized, with one of them requiring surgery.
The 11-year-old now faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, and authorities have also indicated their intention to press charges against his mother for leaving the firearm unsecured in the car.
Chief McKinley took the opportunity to emphasize the ongoing issue of children gaining access to firearms and underscored that firearms should never be seen as a solution to problems. He urged parents to take necessary precautions to ensure that any firearms they own are securely stored and inaccessible to children.
