Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. - A judge in Washington state has dismissed a reckless endangerment charge against a young boy who brought to school a gun that discharged and critically wounded a classmate a year ago, in a case that drew widespread attention.

The Kitsap Sun reports that prosecution of the now 10-year-old boy was deferred if he met conditions that included writing an apology to the victim, attending counseling, keeping up with school and staying away from weapons.

The boy said he took the gun to school because he felt threatened by classmates. It was in his backpack when it discharged on Feb. 22, 2012, in Bremerton, Wash.

KOMO-TV says the boy addressed the court Thursday, thanking those who have helped him and saying he was "very sorry" for the family of the victim, Amina Kocer-Bowman. She survived.

Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Steve Dixon said he was optimistic he wouldn't see the boy back in court.

The victim's family is suing the Bremerton School District.