Teen Charged with Attempted Murder After Shooting During THC Vape Deal in Port St. Lucie
A troubling incident unfolded in Port St. Lucie late Tuesday night, leading to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy from Fort Pierce. He is now facing serious charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly shooting two teenagers during a drug transaction involving a THC vape cartridge.
The sequence of events began just before midnight, around 11:58 p.m., when local law enforcement responded to reports of a car crash on S.E. South Blackwell Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered two injured teens beside their overturned blue Kia. A 16-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the head, while a 17-year-old girl sustained a gunshot wound to her leg.
As officers attended to the victims, a tan Chevrolet was observed driving through the crash scene, hitting a mailbox. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, it crashed into a nearby ditch, further complicating the situation.
Investigations revealed that the injured teenagers had arranged to meet the 15-year-old boy to sell him an $80 THC vape cartridge. During the exchange, a scuffle ensued, which led to the suspect firing a single round from a handgun. The bullet struck the boy in the head, causing life-threatening injuries, while the girl was hit in the leg. After the shooting, the teens attempted to flee in their vehicle but crashed shortly thereafter.
Both were quickly transported to a local hospital. The girl is reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the boy remains in critical condition.
In the aftermath, the 15-year-old shooter was apprehended and is now detained at the St. Lucie Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Fort Pierce. He faces multiple serious charges, including attempted homicide committed during a felony offense, robbery with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm by someone under the age of 18.
This alarming incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence associated with the drug trade, particularly among minors. The sale and use of THC products have become increasingly common, but the repercussions of such transactions can turn dire, as illustrated by this event.
As law enforcement investigates and the legal process unfolds, the local community grapples with the impact of youth violence and substance abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from illegal drug dealings and the severe consequences they can bring to young lives.
Port St. Lucie authorities are now faced with the challenging task of addressing these growing issues within the community, which may involve implementing preventive measures and seeking solutions to deter future incidents of this nature.
The case continues to develop, and updates are expected as more information becomes available. Community leaders and lawmakers will likely evaluate this incident in the broader context of public safety and youth prevention programs to mitigate risks associated with drug-related violence.
