Teen, homeowner injured after firearm malfunctions

Police investigate shooting on Swarthomore Street in Clay County

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Fla. – Clay County deputies are investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Swarthomore Drive off County Road 214 that seriously injured a teenager and also injured a second teen and the homeowner.

The Sheriff's Office said the 72-year-old owner of a storage barn on the property went to check on his property and confronted three teenage boys there.

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An altercation occurred and the shotgun that was held by the property owner malfunctioned and discharged, injuring his own hand and seriously injuring one of the teens.

Authorities said the injured teen was taken to UF Health Shands Gainesville. His condition was unknown as of Wednesday night. 

A second teen was treated for minor injuries caused by shrapnel when the shotgun exploded. He was released from the hospital. The two remaining teens, and a third found hiding in the barn, were questioned and released to their parents.

Deputies are still investigating and said severe weather Wednesday afternoon hampered their investigation.

They said no arrests were made, but the case will be reviewed by the state attorney's office.