Minor arrested for shooting a relative on soccer field in Annapolis, officials say
BALTIMORE -- A minor was arrested for allegedly shooting an 18-year-old relative on a soccer field in Annapolis where pickup games were being played on Feb. 4, according to officials.
Officials said the shooting occurred around 3:47 p.m. at Wiley Bates Heritage Park behind a senior center at 129 S Villa Avenue. The Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis is also located nearby.
The victim, an 18-year-old Hispanic male, was found near the bleachers suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to a shock trauma center to be treated for his injuries. Officials said the suspect and victim are related.
"He was conscious and lucid," Annapolis Police Chief Ed Jackson said. "He wasn't able to say what happened to him but we did know he had been shot."
Police said about 30 people, including teenagers, were playing soccer at the time of the shooting.
"One witness said they heard a loud pop and saw people scattering, and that's when the victim was discovered," Jackson said.
According to police, the victim attended high school.
"Due to the victim's status as a high school student and the location at which it occurred, an athletic field while young people were playing soccer, the Annapolis Police Department recognizes the urgency to recover the weapon and hold those who fired the shot accountable," officials said.
Police said there wasn't a threat to the public, but neighbors are still feeling the impact.
"Sad that, once again, kids have access to guns, sad that it happened at a place that is publicly accessible, sad that people have to deal with disagreements using violence," Annapolis resident Josh Falk said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Annapolis Police or leave an anonymous tip with Metro Crime stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP (866-756-2587)
Gun violence in Annapolis
There have been at least four gun violence victims in 2025, according to data from the Annapolis Police Department.
On Feb. 8, a minor was shot and killed inside a home in Parole. Officials say the victim and suspect knew each other.
On Jan. 24, a 16-year-old boy was injured in a shooting in the 1300 block of Tyler Avenue. The teen was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition.
In 2024, the city reported 30 instances of gun violence, including 18 calls for shots fired, nine shootings and three homicides. Three of those reports of gunshots occurred in January.
The city reported its first homicide of 2024 in mid-March.
In 2023, Anne Arundel County reported a total of 11,163 crimes in 2023, according to data from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.
Maryland saw a huge drop in crime in 2024 with homicides down by 32% since 2021, according to data from the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office.
"In this day and age young people have a lot of freedom and access to information," Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said. "But all parents, guardians, family members, and friends need to pay attention. Make sure you know where your kids are. Make sure you know who they are with. Make sure firearms are secured - or turn them in if you are uncomfortable having them around young family members. If you have information that can help break these deadly cycles of youth violence, please reach out to the many community resources that are available."
"The consequences for remaining silent are too great. Young lives and the safety of our community are at stake."
