A 17-year-old Vicksburg resident is facing an aggravated assault charge and another local teenager is in critical condition after a shooting Wednesday at a home on Ash Street.

“On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at approximately 8:22 p.m., officers responded to a report of a possible shooting at a residence on Ash Street,” Vicksburg Chief of Police Penny Jones said. “The juveniles were all hanging out together in the confines of a friend’s home with a parent present. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and gathered initial information. One individual (a juvenile) was confirmed injured, and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Jones said the injured teenager sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was taken to a hospital in Jackson, where he was in critical condition as Thursday.

Thursday afternoon, 17-year-old Kenard Younger Jr. was charged as an adult with aggravated assault and bound over to the Warren County Grand Jury on $100,000 bond.

Jones said interviews were still being conducted to determine whether or not the firearm was found inside the Ash Street home or was brought in by one of the teenagers at the scene. 

“Additional interviews are being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” she said. “We encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. The Vicksburg Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. We are not able to provide certain information as juveniles are involved.”

Jones said it is very possible Wednesday’s shooting was accidental, adding any forthcoming developments in the case will be made after the Warren County District Attorney’s office and the families involved have completed necessary interviews.