Police: 12-year-old intentionally shoots girl with BB gun

The Associated Press

GEORGETOWN, S.C. --

A 12-year-old boy has been charged with assault and battery with intent to kill after authorities say he intentionally shot a 7-year-old girl in the eye with a BB gun.

Georgetown County deputies say the boy initially told investigators the gun accidentally went off last month when he hit the trigger as he picked it up.

But authorities now think the 12-year-old threatened to shoot the girl, then fired.

Deputies say the girl is getting treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Investigators say the boy has been released to his parents' custody and is awaiting a hearing in Family Court.