CNJ staff
A 17-year-old Clovis girl was in serious condition today at a Lubbock hospital after police said she was accidentally shot by a friend who was trying to shoot from a car.
Police were called to 11th and Gidding streets just before 4 p.m. Thursday.
Clovis Police Chief Steve Sanders said Alexia Bruhn, 17, was driving a vehicle with two other girls as passengers.
Brianna Padilla, 15, was seated behind her and was trying to shoot at something outside of the vehicle when the gun went off, striking the driver in the back.
Padilla is charged with attempted shooting from a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence and is being held at the juvenile detention center.
“(Bruhn’s) listed as serious but stable and that leads us to believe she’ll survive this incident. She’ll have a long road to recovery, but she’ll survive,” he said.
Sanders said the investigation is ongoing and there could be other charges against Padilla especially if Bruhn’s prognosis changes.
Once complete, the case will be given to the district attorney for review and the final say on additional charges.
“It appears that the motive is accidental,” Sanders said.
“It’s still under investigation and interviews are being conducted; evidence is being gathered and will be directed to the (district attorney’s) office… there were other issues that went on in there that will result in charges; we need to solidify some facts before we make a statement (on charges).”
A third teen in the car, a 16-year-old girl, has been classified as a witness in the case.
Sanders said police do not believe Bruhn or the other girl were participating in the attempt to shoot from the vehicle.
