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West Valley City police captured a teenage boy Thursday evening who shot his friend then ran away.

The 16-year-old boy accidently shot his 15-year-old friend in the abdomen at an apartment complex — at 1917 W. Homestead Farms Lane (3650 South) — about 4:13 p.m., according to West Valley City Lt. Matt Elson. The suspected shooter then got scared and fled the scene.

Police found the suspected shooter shortly before 7 p.m. at his parent's home, Elson said. He added that detectives located the boy by doing interviews and "good old fashion police work." He did not have additional information.

The victim was transported to the hospital in serious condition. Elson said he was expected to survive.

According to Elson, the victim, the suspected shooter and a teenage girl were hanging out in a parking lot at the apartment complex. The 16-year-old had a handgun and tried to fire it several times into the ground. The gun didn't initially function, then fired and hit the 15-year-old.

"The 16-year-old ran," Elson added. "He was gone when we got there."

Police spent the following hours interviewing the victim and witnesses.

Elson said police are not releasing information about the gun or where it came from because the investigation is ongoing. He also said teenagers are not legally allowed to have guns without parental supervision and a number of potential charges could apply.

The 16-year-old boy was booked into detention Thursday night on a variety of gun-related charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment and other things. Prosecutors will ultimately decided what charges the boy faces in court.

Police have not released the names of the people involved because they are minors.

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