This headline clearly is designed to elicit sympathy for this poor teenager.

Irving shooting victim, 16, could face charges

But then you read the article.

From what I see here, there is no shooting victim. Instead, there is a lucky criminal.

A Dallas County grand jury will likely decide whether a 16-year-old boy shot in Irving on Wednesday should face criminal charges for attempting to rob a 45-year-old man at gunpoint.

Irving police spokesman Officer David Tull said the teenager approached the 45-year-old man in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 9400 block of E. Valley Ranch at about 9 p.m. Wednesday. Police did not release either personÂ’s name Thursday.

The man was talking on his cell phone in a parked pick-up truck when the teen wielded a gun and demanded the phone and the manÂ’s wallet. The man told the boy he was reaching for his wallet, but instead grabbed his gun, which was next to him. The man then pushed the boyÂ’s arm up and simultaneously shot him, Officer Tull said.

The teen, who was struck in the chest, spun around and then fled on foot. Fearing he may return, the man in the truck drove off and then called police.

The 16-year-old was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital where he was listed in serious condition Thursday. Police said the bullet entered his upper chest and exited out the left side of his back. When police arrived at the scene, the teen did not have a gun on him but police later recovered one about an hour later.

Let's see -- attempt to rob someone at gunpoint, and you are somehow a "victim"? Not a chance, folks!

And i'll be honest -- i find the closing sentence sort of disturbing.

The man in the truck will likely not face charges, Officer Tull said.

Probably will not be charged? Seems like ther e is no basis to do anything other than award him a medal and a gift certificate for some time at the local shooting range so that if there is a "next time" he drops the perp so he cannot run off.

UPDATE: Seems they have updated teh headline -- no doubt due to reader outrage.

It now reads as follows.

Police: Irving teen was attempting robbery when shot

Much better.

Posted by: Greg at 09:24 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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