8-year-old Shot in Carlsbad

An 18-year old man was arrested for shooting an eight-year old boy in the chest Thursday afternoon. The suspect, Keyon Mason, is being charged with child abuse and tampering with evidence.

According to authorities, the boy (who as of yet remains unidentified) was shot at the 100 block of South 3rd street. Police soon arrived on the scene and arrested Mason. The boy was then taken to Carlsbad Medical Center by his sister, who will also remain unnamed. Mason claims that he and the young boy were “playing” with a .22 revolver when he ended up shooting the boy in the chest. Mason supposedly knew that the weapon was loaded and surrendered this information to police. He also claimed that he had simply “found” the gun, but later said that he bought the weapon from a friend for $50.

The weapon was found stashed away under a bed in Mason’s trailer during an investigation. Two casings were also found on the floor, as well as a bullet hole in the wall.

The boy is currently in stable condition, and is expected to recover eventually. Keyon Mason is being held at Eddy County Detention Center, awaiting trial.

Further information will soon become available.