Teen arrested after 2 shot in game room at apartment complex: 'Absolute disregard for human life'

TAMPA, Fla. - Two juveniles are recovering after police say they were shot in the game room of the West River Boulevard apartment complex. 

According to the Tampa Police Department, officers were called to the apartment complex on June 15 because a juvenile suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being shot twice. 

Police say another bullet grazed the knee of another juvenile who reportedly arrived at a nearby hospital shortly afterward. 

According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, both victims were hanging out in the game room with four other people when another group of teens entered the area. Chief Bercaw says that's when the first group opened fire at the second group of teens. He says it does not appear as though the second group returned fire. 

Two days later, police arrested a 15-year-old in connection with the shooting. 

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He has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, shooting within a building, minor in possession of a firearm, and violation of probation. 

"It is fortunate that no one was killed in this incident," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "While we have arrested one of the teens involved, our detectives remain committed to their investigation and ask the community to provide tips regarding this, or any incident, that will help improve gun safety and keep guns out of the hands of our kids."

This case is just the latest in a string of teen on teen shootings in Tampa. In many instances, they're stealing guns from unlocked cars, and then using them on each other. So far this year, about 100 guns have been stolen that way in Tampa alone. 

"Kids with guns making reckless decisions are a plague on our community, and they will be held accountable. Kids need mentors, education, summer jobs, a safe place to live, and family support - not guns," Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated during a press conference about combating teenage gun crime on Wednesday afternoon. 

Detectives say they are still working to identify any other suspects.