Juvenile Shot At West Des Moines Mall Treated For Injuries

WEST DES MOINES, IA — A juvenile was injured Thursday evening when a gun he was carrying inside Valley West Mall discharged, police said. The youth was located a few hours later and he was taken to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.

West Des Moines police initially were called to the mall around 6 p.m. on a report that a juvenile had accidentally shot himself. Witnesses indicated the juvenile was carrying a firearm and it discharged, possibly striking him in the leg.

The injured youth and another person with him had left the mall by the time police arrived. A surveillance image showed the pair, but police could not initially identify them.

The department reported after 9 p.m. that the injured youth was located following leads at the scene and with the assistance of the Des Moines police. He was then transported to a hospital for treatment.

No word on his condition was available this morning.

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