Teen killed in accidental shooting at Smyrna gun range, police say

An 18-year-old boy died Thursday afternoon after he accidentally shot himself in the head at a Smyrna gun range, police said.

The teenager was with his family at Adventure Outdoors on South Cobb Drive when the gun went off about 2 p.m., according to Smyrna police spokesman Sgt. Louis Defense. He was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“We have an investigation that is currently underway,” Defense told AJC.com. “It does not appear to be anything criminal. It appears to be accidental.”

The victim, whose name was not released, was shooting with a family member’s handgun, he said. It appeared that the sporting goods store followed its safety protocols.

“Before you can go on the range, you have to take a video on range safety,” Defense said. “He completed that, he signed in, he provided his identification as required, and he was on the range with an adult parent when the shooting occurred.”

Defense said that while police are still investigating, they do not anticipate any charges.

In other news:

Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Nicole Carr talked to business owners and consumers who are worried about potential lawsuits.

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