16-year-old girl hospitalized after her intoxicated mother she had an argument with opened fire through a locked bedroom door; mother arrested
Tennessee – A shocking incident in Tennessee has left a teenage girl hospitalized and her mother behind bars after a heated family argument turned violent in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to the police department, 39-year-old C. Allen was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and gun possession while intoxicated after she shot her 16-year-old daughter during an argument. The incident took place at the family’s apartment. Police reports indicate that the argument between Allen and her daughter began late Wednesday night and escalated into the early morning hours. Around 3:20 a.m., the argument reached a dangerous peak. The teenage girl reportedly tried to escape the confrontation by locking herself in her bedroom and holding the door shut to keep her mother out.
However, Allen allegedly retrieved a firearm and fired a shot through the closed door. The bullet struck the 16-year-old girl in the left hand. Despite the injury, the girl managed to flee the apartment and was taken to hospital by a private vehicle for medical treatment. When officers arrived at the apartment, they found Allen visibly intoxicated and uncooperative. She was immediately taken into custody and later booked into jail on charges of aggravated child abuse and possession of a firearm while under the influence. Her bond was set at $105,000.
Authorities have not released details regarding the whereabouts or involvement of the teen girl’s father. The police department’s Youth Services Division has taken over the investigation and is conducting a follow-up to gather more information about the family dynamics and the events leading up to the shooting. The incident has left neighbors and community members in shock. Domestic disputes escalating to violence, especially involving firearms, continue to raise concerns about safety and the impacts of alcohol-fueled decisions within homes. Fortunately, the teenage girl is expected to recover from her injury, but the emotional scars of such an event will likely take much longer to heal.
Law enforcement officials have not commented on whether additional charges may be filed or whether social services will be involved in the case. Given the seriousness of the charges, Allen faces significant legal consequences, including potential prison time if convicted. Aggravated child abuse is a serious felony, and when combined with a firearms offense while intoxicated, the penalties can be severe. Beyond the legal ramifications, the family is now fractured, with a mother behind bars and a teenage daughter recovering from both physical and emotional trauma.
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on ensuring the teen’s safety and determining the best course of action for her care and well-being. The police have urged anyone with additional information about the family’s history or the events of that night to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that can arise from domestic disputes, especially when combined with alcohol and firearms — leaving behind not only immediate physical harm but also deep emotional wounds that affect families and communities alike.
