VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 14-year-old girl will be charged as an adult after officials said she got into a shootout with Volusia County deputies earlier this month, the state attorney R.J. Larizza announced Thursday.
He said a 12-year-old boy also involved in the shootout will be charged as a juvenile.
Both of the children are facing identical charges of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, burglary of a dwelling with firearm, and criminal mischief.
Larizza said being charged as an adult attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer comes with a mandatory life sentence if convicted. But he said since the case involves a minor, the sentencing requirements are different.
“It’s very disturbing when you’re looking at such serious chargers with such young folks.” Larizza said.
READ: Girl, 14, accused of getting into shootout with Volusia deputies to remain in custody
Deputies said the pair ran away from the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home before they broke into a house and got into a shootout with Volusia deputies.
The 14-year-old was hit by gunfire when she pointed a shotgun at one of the deputies, officials said. The 12-year-old surrendered soon after that.
Larizza said the 12-year-old will remain in juvenile custody.
The 14-year-old girl was booked into the Volusia County Jail on Thursday night.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood released the following statement on the announcement:
“The first priority for me is that our deputies are alive. What happens next in the courtroom will be up to a judge and jury. I have full confidence in R.J. Larizza and his team, and I support the difficult charging decisions they had to make in this case. These young defendants are alive today because of the training, compassion and incredible restraint displayed by our deputies, and I have faith that our State Attorney’s Office will make sure that their efforts were not in vain.”
Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.
