Cape teen shot in chest; suspect arrested

A Cape Girardeau teen was shot in the chest with a handgun early Saturday morning following what Cape Girardeau police believe was the result of an ongoing dispute between shooter and victim.

The 17-year-old was struck in the upper left chest area at his home at 1205 S. Ellis St. around 1:45 a.m. Saturday, police said in a statement.

Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Barry Hovis said an investigation of Saturday's shooting has revealed that the shooter, a 16-year-old boy not identified by police, had "an ongoing dispute" with his victim. Hovis said he didn't know the cause of the dispute.

The 17-year-old was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, which police said don't appear to be life-threatening. Police arrested the suspected shooter after he was identified by witnesses. The suspect was handed over to juvenile authorities and is in custody pending charges for assault, armed criminal action and property damage.