Opa-locka, Florida – The father of a 10 year-old boy allegedly took him on a fake drive-by shooting using a paintball gun, and was shot by a real bullet when a homeowner returned fire. Michael Williams, the 26-year-old father of the boy, told police the prank was his son’s idea, according to the Miami Herald. According to Williams, his son wanted to shoot his paintball gun out the window. The Washington Post reported that a witness claimed that the father and son were wearing ski masks during the paintball drive-by shooting. Williams denied that allegation.
The owner of the home said that he believed the paintball-gun drive-by was real and that his family was under attack. The man returned fire, striking the boy.
Once struck, the boy fell and he was ran over by his father’s car. The Daily Caller reported that the injuries were not life threatening but specific details have not yet been released.
Williams was charged with child neglect with great bodily harm because Williams “acted recklessly by agreeing to conduct a drive-by paint ball shooting,” a police statement said.
