Teen who allegedly shot baby could be tried as an adult

A teenager who police say shot his 2-month-old nephew could be charged as an adult if a judge agrees with a motion filed today by the Hennepin County Attorney's office.

The 17-year-old put the bullets back in the gun after the infant's father removed them as a safety measure, according to the motion by Assistant Hennepin County Prosecutor Mark Griffin.

It also said the bullet remains lodged in the infant's neck, because doctors decided that removing it would be too dangerous. In the document Griffin said it is unknown what permanent injuries the infant suffered.

The teenager told police that he got rid of the gun after the Sept. 6 incident. Police have been unable to recover it.

In a Facebook post, he told his friends, "I'm sorry all my loved ones but accidents do happen and I'll be a man about mine."

MPR News is not naming the teenager, because he has not yet been charged as an adult.

If that occurs and he is convicted, the teen could serve up to five years in jail for recklessly discharging a firearm.

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