The 13-year-old son of state Rep. Ernie Yarbrough was accidentally shot in the back of his shoulder by his 6-year-old brother at the family’s home over the weekend.
The teen’s injury is described as a non-life threatening “flesh wound,” Yarbrough told ADN.
“Thanks be to God, all is well. A flesh wound only. He has been playing basketball with me tonight,” Yarbrough said via text.
The shooting happened at the family’s residence in Lawrence County on Saturday afternoon, the TimesDaily reported. Yarbrough, R-Trinity, is a first-term lawmaker. He and his wife were home at the time.
The weapon involved was described as a .556-caliber AR-style rifle, authorities told the TimesDaily.
“The child found a gun in the bedroom and accidentally shot his brother,” Lawrence County Chief Deputy Brian Covington told the newspaper.
The Yarbroughs called 911 and then drove the teen to an emergency room.
Al.com reported the sheriff’s office notified the Alabama Department of Human Resources, a requirement when children are involved in a shooting. The investigation will be turned over to the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office.