METHUEN, MA — Chief Scott J. McNamara reports that the Methuen Police Department responded to a reported shooting in which a juvenile was injured on Friday night.
A 17-year-old male from Lawrence was arrested and charged with assault with intent to murder, illegal possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling.
The Methuen Police and Fire Departments responded to the Wendy’s restaurant at The Loop shopping center, 90 Pleasant Valley St., at about 7:30 p.m. for a report of a person shot inside.
Upon arrival, rescuers found that a 16-year-old male, who had been at the restaurant with a group of juveniles, had been shot once in the arm.
The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
A preliminary investigation by Methuen Police indicates that there was a verbal dispute between the victim and another juvenile, which escalated when the other juvenile brandished a handgun and fired, striking the victim.
The 17-year-old male was located near the scene and turned himself in to police without further incident.
Methuen Police recovered a firearm and located a shell casing inside the restaurant.
The suspect will be arraigned at Lawrence Juvenile Court on Monday.
The incident remains under active investigation by Methuen Police.
