UNIONTOWN, Pa. — A 12-year-old boy is recovering after police said his older brother shot him at a Uniontown home on Sunday.
According to police, Timothy Brooks was shot in his hand, breaking it in two places, and the bullet lodged in his stomach at a home on Mount Vernon Avenue.
The boy was taken to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he underwent surgery. His condition has not been released.
Investigators said Brooks' brother, David Brooks, is facing several charges including aggravated assault.
Court paperwork said that David Brooks, 19, told police he was at the house visiting family when he took the gun out of his pocket and it went off, hitting his younger brother.
Family members told authorities the shooting was accident and that the two brothers get along very well and are close with each other.
"If it was accidental or not, it's a shame. It happens a lot. I believe in guns but they should be locked up so minors can't get to them," said neighbor Matt Lecorchick.
Timothy Brooks’ family members told Channel 11 News the shooting is especially tough on Timothy because he plays basketball at the Benjamin Franklin School and his road to recovery will be difficult.
“He’s a good kid who’s good in sports and school. He helps a lot of people out in the neighborhood and everything,” Brooks’ cousin Michael Howard said.
Brooks’ friend Imani Williams said Timothy is one of the most well-liked kids he knows.
“He’s really friends with everybody in the neighborhood. Everyone hangs out with him,” Williams said. “Accidents happen. I’m sure it was an accident.”
David Brooks told police that he threw the gun in a creek behind the house, police said. Police said they searched for hours but they were unable to locate it.
David Brooks remains in the Allegheny County Jail.