NEWSLINE: SHOOTING MISHAP INJURES AREA BOY

JACKSON -- An 11-year-old boy was shot in the back during a shooting accident Sunday near Jackson.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Norman Copeland called the shooting accidental.

The injured youth, identified as Matthew Smith of Jackson Route 2 was airlifted to Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. A hospital spokesperson said Smith was in serious condition late Sunday night.

The shooting occurred at the home of Vella Smith, Jackson Route 2, at 3:25 p.m. Authorities said Matthew Smith and a 16-year-old friend had been shooting a .22-caliber rifle in the front yard of the home and the older youth was reloading the gun when it accidentally discharged, striking Matthew Smith in the back.

The name of the 16-year-old was not released.