An 84-year-old man in the US state of Missouri has turned himself into police after shooting a teenager who mistakenly rang his doorbell.
Andrew Lester was bailed after being charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, both felonies.
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The white homeowner allegedly shot Ralph Yarl, 16, who is black, once in the head and once in the arm last Thursday night in Kansas City.
Yarl survived, and doctors say they have no idea how. A prosecutor said there was a “racial component” to the shooting. Lester has not been charged with a hate crime, and charging documents do not describe any alleged racial bias.
He was released on Tuesday evening after posting 10% of the total $200,000 bail amount.
The teenager told authorities he had mistakenly approached Lester’s home last Thursday night to pick up his younger twin brothers, driving to Northeast 115 Street instead of Northeast 115th Terrace, which is one block away.
After Ralph rang the doorbell, Lester shot him twice – once in the forehead and once in the arm.
Prosecutors said no words were exchanged before the homeowner opened fire with a .32 revolver
Lester has not denied shooting the boy, telling authorities he believed he was protecting himself from a confrontation.
Prosecutors have said that Ralph “did not cross the threshold” of Lester’s home.
Police initially detained Lester for questioning and released him without charges, sparking protests throughout Kansas City on Sunday.
On Monday, prosecutor Zachary Thompson announced Lester had been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Editor: Oloyede Oworu
