Teenage Boy Arrested After Allegedly Shooting And Killing 10-Year-Old With Crossbow

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested after Central Oklahoma police said he fired a bolt from a crossbow, killing a 10-year-old boy and injuring the victim’s younger brother, according to reports.

Austin Almanza was killed Saturday evening after the teen shot the bolt at the victim, Lincoln County Sheriff Charles Dougherty told the Associated Press Tuesday. The projectile struck the boy before hitting his brother’s arm, police said.

"[The bolt] traveled across his body and exited over here on the right side striking Ayden who was standing behind him," Dougherty added.

Austin Almanza was pronounced dead at the scene. His brother Ayden Almanza, 8, was rushed to nearby OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he received treatment for a wound. He was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon and is expected to fully recover, NBC-affiliate KFOR reported.

Detectives are trying to determine exactly what transpired, though Dougherty said authorities are investigating the shooting as a homicide. He expects investigators to deliver their findings Monday to the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office, which will decide on charges.

Meanwhile, the 13-year-old suspect, whose name was not released, remains in police custody.

During a news conference Monday, Dougherty claimed that Austin Almanza’s death wasn’t accidental. He said the shooting stemmed from an argument the three boys had prior to the incident.

"Ten-year-old Austin’s not dead because of an accident," said Dougherty. "He’s dead because of an action that took place."

Both victims attended White Rock Elementary School in southwestern Lincoln County. Principal Alicia Ebers said school officials spoke to students regarding the incident and provided grief consolers.

White Rock Superintendent Bob Gragg considered the victims "very well-mannered, very polite young men." Gragg said the school had not yet made special plans to remember Austin Almanza and wants to wait out of respect for his family.

"We're certainly heartbroken and saddened on behalf of the school community and certainly the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them," Gragg said. "We're just a small school, a small community and it hits hard just like it would in any family."