Two Teens Injured After Gun Fires in Backseat of Vehicle

Five teenagers with two guns were driving around in a car in Newark, Ohio. A passenger in the backseat unintentionally fired one of the guns, injuring himself and the driver. Both victims were airlifted to the hospital, and are in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police started to search for a suspect, because the teens originally told them that an unknown attacker shot them. However witnesses reported seeing some people running from the scene, leading police to recover the firearms from the car. The teens confessed later that one of them fired the gun.

Police are continuing to investigate and will ask the prosecutor’s office juvenile division to review the case. They don’t anticipate that the teen holding the gun will be charged with assault, but some of them could face charges involving tampering with evidence and obstruction.

Sources:

Josué Perez, “Police Say 2 Teens in Stable Condition After Accidental Shooting in Newark,” newarkadvocate.com (July 31, 2026).

“Newark Police Investigate Shooting Near John Clem Elementary School Thursday Night,” abconyourside.com (July 31, 2026).