Police arrest Clayton teen accused of shooting 8-year-old sister

CLAYTON, NM (KFDA) – A 17-year-old is in custody after New Mexico State Police say the teen shot his 8-year-old sister in the head.

A news release said Clayton Police officers were dispatched to a home on Magnolia Street near N. 3rd Avenue around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to retrieve an 8-year-old who had been shot.

Agents with the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau later learned that 17-year-old Gio Blan was at home getting ready for school with his siblings.

Officials said Blan pointed what he believed to be an unloaded handgun at his 8-year-old sister, pulled the trigger, hitting her in the head.

The news release said the siblings attempted to provide medical assistance before calling 911.

According to New Mexico State Police, the girl was taken to an area hospital and then flown to a hospital in Texas. Your condition is critical.

After the shooting, Blan dismantled the gun and threw it in a dumpster, according to officials. The weapon was later recovered.

Officials say the gun used in the incident did not belong to anyone in the home.

Blan is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, negligent use of a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.

Officials say he was booked into the San Juan County Juvenile Detention Center.

The shooting is still under investigation.

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