Bolivar Police Investigate Shooting
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Police said a Bolivar teen was playing with a gun when it discharged hitting Daricus McGowan, 18, of Bolivar, in the buttocks, Sunday, at a home in the 300 block of Peach Street. “We were just playing, chilling, walking. I had my back turned when I heard a gun shot. I just fell down,” said McGowan. Authorities said McGowan’s 16-year-old friend fired the shot with a gun he claims he found and had hidden in his house. His friends said he kept the gun for safety. Police said the teens initially concocted a story to avoid trouble from authorities. “He stated that several of his friends were walking behind the residence on Peach Street in a field when he felt he had been struck by a bullet. He didn’t know who shot him,” said Chief Pat Baker of the Bolivar Police Department. “He had a gun for his own safety because of things he had gone through,” said Skyler McKinnie, McGowan’s friend, referring to the 16-year-old. Chief Baker said McGowan’s friends transported him to a hospital where the bullet was removed. He said the teens later led investigators to a field behind the house where they had discarded the weapon. Chief Baker said although they have yet to trace the gun to a registered owner, it is not listed as stolen. McGowan said he has learned a meaningful lesson as a result of the incident. “Watch who you’re around. Choose you friends carefully,” said McGowan.
