Boy Shoots Himself In Manassas, Father Charged: Police

MANASSAS, VA ? A boy shot himself in the leg in Manassas on Friday, according to the Prince William County Police Department. Authorities believe the boy's father left him alone with the loaded gun.

The boy, who police identified as a 12-year-old, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. His injury was not life-threatening, authorities said.

The police department identified the father as 42-year-old Bryant Joseph White. He is charged with one count of allowing access to firearms. If convicted, White could face up to one year in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

White's court date is pending and he was released on a court summons.

The boy shot himself on Friday at White's apartment on Ashland Avenue in Manassas, according to the police report. Investigators said White was originally in the apartment with his son before leaving the boy unattended.

White called a family member, who took the boy to the hospital.