FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. – On Sunday, a teenager called the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) to report that he had just shot his stepfather.

According to a FCSO media release, the incident occurred late in the afternoon on April 6, 2025.

Deputies and EMS personnel responded to the address and made contact with a 16 year-old male, who was unarmed and in a wooded area near the home.

After confirming that the teen was the same person who had called 911, he was detained without incident.

An adult male victim, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, was located inside the residence. He was immediately transported to Winchester Medical Center.

A preliminary investigation determined that the suspect and victim both lived in the home and shared a relation through marriage as stepson and stepfather.

While there was no reported physical altercation or argument, the teen had suddenly produced a small caliber rifle and shot the victim before other family members were able to take possession of the weapon.

Immediately following the shooting, the suspect walked outside, made the emergency call, and surrendered to deputies.

Medical exanimation revealed that the victim had sustained non-life threatening injuries. He was last reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, Malicious Wounding and Firing a Weapon in an Occupied Dwelling.

According to the FCSO, this was an isolated incident with no threat to the general public. The suspect is currently being held at the juvenile detention facility. No further details are being released at this time.