Bartow County deputies were dispatched to a residence on Woody Road in Adairsville on Saturday night in reference to a possible shooting.
Resident Todd McBurnett said there was a physical altercation. He said a juvenile got a 22-caliber rifle and pointed it at McBurnett. He also said he tried to take the rifle away and got shot in the stomach.
The alleged shooter said before the shooting occurred, McBurnett got upset and pushed him, causing him to hit his head on a kitchen cabinet. He also said McBurnett went after him again by grabbing, pushing, and hitting him multiple times. That’s when he got the rifle and pointed it at McBurnett, telling him he needed to calm down. He said McBurnett went after him, so he closed his eyes and fired twice, striking McBurnett once. He then said he hid the rifle and McBurnett started another physical altercation.
One witness said he saw McBurnett start the physical altercation and saw the subsequent shooting. Another witness only saw the fight after the shooting.
Todd McBurnett was taken to Floyd Medical Center by Bartow County EMS for treatment. He will be charged with battery and cruelty to children in the third degree.
Deputies took the juvenile into custody and transported him to Rome Youth Detention Center. He is being charged with aggravated assault, reckless conduct, and cruelty to children in the third degree.