18-year-old man dead after gun accidentally discharged in Peoria

PHOENIX — An 18-year-old man died after a friend accidentally shot him in the chest while cleaning a gun in Peoria, authorities said Thursday.

Roy Atkins was found with a gunshot wound at about 9:15 p.m. at an apartment near 83rd and Olive avenues, the Peoria Police Department said in a press release.

Atkins’ friend, Isaiah Kendrix, told police he was cleaning the gun and it discharged while it was being assembled.

Detectives believe the discharge was accidental, police said.

Officers attempted to save Atkins’ life, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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