Father shot, son accused of pulling trigger

HARDEMAN COUNTY, Tenn. — A chaotic scene near Whiteville Monday afternoon as officers rush to a home where they found a man seriously wounded from a shotgun blast.

Deputies said what’s even more shocking is that it was the man’s son who pulled the trigger. Although they’re not saying why the 15 year-old shot his father, they said they have no doubt he did it on purpose.

“It was not an accident, it was intentional,” Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolan said. “They were pretty much all hysterical but we got the situation calmed down pretty quick.”

Deputies said the 15 year-old shot his father in the shoulder with a shotgun. The boy’s younger sister was the one who made the call for help.

“She was hysterical on the phone,” Sheriff Doolan said. “She stated that her brother shot her dad with a 12 gauge shotgun.”

Deputies said the gun was loaded with bird-shot and not a slug but the father sustained serious injuries. His son also had to be treated.

“He struck the wall and busted up his knuckles,” Doolan said.

The juvenile was quickly taken into custody but deputies said it’s just a tragic situation.

“You know it’s really hard when a son shoots his father,” Doolan said.  “You just don’t know what’s going through people’s minds.”

The 15-year-old is not currently charged but remains in custody as the investigation continues. Sheriff Doolan said he expects charges, possibly by Tuesday.

The boy’s father was transported by Haywood County EMS to Jackson where he was last listed in serious but stable condition.