Columbia teenager wanted by police following accidental shooting

The Columbia Police Department continues to look for a Columbia teenager accused of accidentally shooting his friend last month.

On Monday, 17-year-old Dea’vion Payne was charged in Boone County with felony second-degree assault.

According to a probable cause statement obtained by ABC 17 News, Payne is accused of shooting the victim while riding inside a friend’s car on December 11.

Around 9:35 p.m., police officers responded to MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Columbia for a reported gunshot victim.

Police said that after interviewing the victim, they learned that the shooting happened on Ballenger Lane near Clark Lane in east Columbia.

Payne was a passenger in the backseat when a gun reportedly went off. Police said a bullet passed through the back of the seat and struck the man in the back, who said he couldn’t feel his legs.

The driver of the vehicle told police officers that Payne left him and the victim once they arrived at the hospital.

If you have any information on Payne’s whereabouts, you’re asked to call 573-875-8477.

ABC 17 News will update this story when more information is released.