15-year-old from Bogovinje shot himself with real pistol, police open investigation

A 15-year-old boy from the village of Bogovinje was shot in the abdomen with a real pistol and was taken to the Tetovo Clinical Center, police reported.

“On 24.10.2026 at 14:10 hours, the Tetovo Police Department was notified by the Tetovo Clinical Center that a 15 - year old minor from the village of Bogovinje, Tetovo municipality, had been brought to them with a gunshot wound to the abdominal area. Later, S.M.(42) and his 16-year-old son, both from the village of Bogovinje, turned themselves in at the Tetovo Police Station and handed over a pistol with one empty magazine.

According to the statement of S.M., the incident occurred around 13:45 hours in the village of Bogovinje, whereby, due to carelessness, one bullet was discharged from the pistol carried by his minor son. An inspection was carried out in the presence of a public prosecutor from the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office Tetovo and representatives from the Tetovo Center for Social Work. The minor has been detained for further proceedings and measures are being taken for the full clarification of the case, after which an appropriate charge will follow.” — police information.

Investigation under way

Police say the pistol and an empty magazine were handed over by S.M. (42) and his 16-year-old son after they reported the incident at the Tetovo station. Authorities are treating the shooting as an accidental discharge that occurred at about 13:45 on 24 October 2026.

The scene was examined in the presence of a public prosecutor and social services representatives from Tetovo. The 15-year-old remains in custody for further legal steps while investigators collect evidence and statements before deciding on formal charges.

Officials have not provided further details about the boy’s medical condition or how the pistol came into his possession. Police said they are continuing measures to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident.

Photo: press material from the event