The 16-year-old brother of a boy shot in the face with an air rifle on Wednesday night has been referred to Youth Aid over the incident.
Police are waiting for medical staff to give them the go-ahead to interview the 12-year-old victim who is in a stable condition in Rotorua Hospital. It is understood the airgun pellet went through the boy's face and exited below his jaw.
Police recovered the rifle after executing a search warrant at the family home at Wairakei, 5km north of Taupo, yesterday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Todd Pearce, of Taupo police, said the victim's older brother had been referred to Youth Aid, regarding careless use of a firearm. He said police would not be naming any of the family members as this would identify both the young victim and alleged offender.
"I can say, however, that the importance of the supervision of youths when handling or using any firearm cannot be overstated.
"This is an example where only through sheer luck, a significantly more serious injury and resulting consequences was avoided."
Meanwhile the father of the two boys has been charged with cultivating cannabis.
The 43-year-old father is due to appear in Taupo District Court on Wednesday.
