Close call: Stray bullet almost hits RI teen

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WHDH) -- It was a close call for a teenager in Rhode Island on Saturday. He was in his own home when a bullet flew right by him.

The 16-year old-was playing a video game when the bullet came within six inches of him -- and his mother thinks the game is what saved her son’s life.

The bullet came into their apartment and ended up next to where Carlos Gomez was sitting Saturday afternoon.

"Thank God he was not sitting upright, he was leaning back, and playing his video games and the bullet zoomed right by him," said Melissa Gomez, Carlos’ mother.

Mother and son took a photo after the fact to show how close it was; about 6 inches. According to police a 26-year-old neighbor told officers he had been showing a friend the safety feature of his 3.57 magnum when it accidentally went off.

"I am very mad, I am very hurt, I am distraught," Gomez said.

Melissa Gomez says her son is “very scared, doesn't want to be here in the living room anymore, he tries to joke and make light of it because he's a 16-year-old."

And while Carlos is active in the community, volunteering at church and other organizations, Melissa Gomez is concerned about the long-term impact this may have on him, and angry that her neighbor has not reached out.

“I know he didn’t hurt him, or kill him -- but he sure came close,” Melissa Gomez said.

The shooter was charged with firing a gun in a compact area -- a misdemeanor. He is due in court may 22.