12-year-old recovering from gunshot wound

Boy shot by brother outside Choctaw Walmart in July 4 accident

An Independence Day stop at Choctaw’s Walmart turned to tragedy for one local family.

A 14-year-old boy accidentally shot his 12-year-old brother about 2 p.m. July 4 at the Walmart Supercenter near NE 23rd and Henney Road,

The accident occurred in the parking lot of Choctaw’s Walmart, while the two children were in a vehicle as at least one parent was in the store shopping.

Authorities say a firearm was left in a vehicle with the two brothers.

Authorities confirmed the two boys are children of an Oklahoma City police employee, and Oklahoma City officers were on the scene to support the family.

Choctaw police responded to the call, and chief Kelly Marshall praised her officer’s professional lifesaving efforts.

“The gunshot wound was through-and-through, and didn’t hit any major organs,” said Marshall. “I believe officer Colton Lobb applying the chest seal to the entrance and exit wounds likely saved the boy’s life.”

Authorities say the wound was near the clavicle.

The 12-year-old boy was transported to OU Medical Center. Hours later, police confirmed he was in stable condition, and a surgery was scheduled for Friday.