Las Cruces, N.M. — A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in the back of the head Monday night at a home on Petunia Lane in Las Cruces, and police said the suspected shooter is another 13-year-old.

Las Cruces police officers responded just before 10:30 p.m. to reports of a gunshot victim.

The injured teen was airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso.

Investigators said the shooting appears to be accidental, with a 13-year-old handling a firearm when it discharged and struck another teen.

Police said the suspect was later found hiding near Picacho Middle School, taken into custody, and the weapon was recovered.

“He had a history of being involved in auto burglaries or suspected in auto burglaries and other crimes,” Story said.

Police said the suspect had previously been reported as a runaway and linked to auto burglaries that often involve stolen firearms, and officers were actively searching for him before the shooting.

Story said, “A lot of times those auto burglaries, they’re trying to steal firearms, and they’re successful too many times. And this kid was already involved in that kind of activity.”

Police said the suspect faces charges including negligent use of a firearm and possession of a handgun by a minor.

Story described the allegations as “negligent use of the firearm, the manner in which it was used, and then possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 19, which, or possession of a handgun, I should say by a person under the age of 19.”

In a statement, the family of the injured teen, identified as Chris, said they are “entirely heartbroken by the sudden and senseless tragedy” involving their son.

The family provided the following statement:

Our family is entirely heartbroken by the sudden and senseless tragedy that has happened to our son, Chris.

Chris recently asked us to take in a friend who had nowhere else to stay. Because we have always tried to help kids in need, we welcomed him into our home. He was polite and kind to all of us, and we had absolutely no reason to suspect any danger. After kissing the boys goodnight so they could be ready for school the next day, my husband and I were later awakened by a thud and screaming. We rushed into Chris’s room to find him on the floor, and immediately called 911 to rush him to the hospital.

Chris is the light of our family. He is the kid everyone loves, known for his huge smile and an even bigger heart. Whether he is helping out around the neighborhood or supporting his classmates, he has always been the happiest and kindest person in the room. His teachers, principals, and friends know him as a deeply caring boy, and he was someone always willing to help everyone.

As we navigate this incredibly traumatic time, our only priority is Chris. We are asking the media and the public to please respect our family’s privacy and give us the space we need to focus entirely on him. We deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and ask for your ongoing prayers for Chris.

They said Chris had asked them to take in a friend who “had nowhere else to stay,” and they “had absolutely no reason to suspect any danger.”

The family said they were awakened overnight “by a thud and screaming,” rushed into Chris’s room, found him on the floor and called 911.

Story said the department is also focused on broader issues contributing to youth gun violence.

“This is really a deep cultural issue amongst youth, especially our boys. But there’s this gun culture, this gangster culture amongst them. Through social media, there’s a huge part of this,” he said.

Authorities said that based on the information they have right now, there is no indication the shooting was intentional.