Bullhead City Teen Arrested After Family Fight Leads to Gunfire

Stray bullet narrowly misses neighbor as 17-year-old allegedly fires at uncle

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 17-year-old boy in Bullhead City, Arizona was arrested after allegedly firing multiple shots at his 35-year-old uncle during a family dispute. The uncle was not injured, but a stray bullet entered a nearby home and passed just over the head of a man as children were playing nearby. The teen's mother later turned him in to police, and he was booked on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder, discharging a firearm at a residence, endangerment, and misconduct with a weapon.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of gun violence within families and the potential for tragic consequences when firearms are misused, even in the context of a domestic dispute. It also raises concerns about access to guns by minors and the challenges of prosecuting juvenile offenders accused of violent crimes.

The details

According to police, the family argument started inside a home on Dean Drive in Bullhead City on February 28th around 7 p.m. The 35-year-old uncle was trying to drive away when the 17-year-old nephew allegedly opened fire, with several shell casings found scattered in the front yard. While the uncle was not hit, a stray bullet entered a nearby home and passed just over the head of a man as children were playing close by. The teen's mother later drove him to the police station around 9:20 p.m., where he was arrested.

  • The incident occurred on February 28, 2026 around 7 p.m.
  • The teen's mother turned him in to police around 9:20 p.m. that same night.

The players

17-year-old boy

The teenage suspect who allegedly fired multiple shots at his uncle during a family dispute.

35-year-old uncle

The relative of the teenage suspect who was the target of the alleged shooting but was not injured.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to prosecute the 17-year-old suspect as an adult or in the juvenile justice system, based on Arizona laws governing when minors accused of violent felonies can face adult charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for better safeguards around gun access for minors and more comprehensive approaches to addressing family conflicts before they escalate to violence, in order to protect innocent bystanders and prevent tragic outcomes.