A 14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of shooting and killing his 9-year-old friend may be charged as an adult.

The teen was arrested Wednesday after an investigation and witness reports indicated the shooting was not an accident.

"It was more than accidental," said Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario. "It wasn't just picking up the gun and it goes off."

At least one other young person was present when the shooting happened Wednesday afternoon, said Vallario.

The 9-year old boy was shot with a .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Officials weren't sure whom the gun belongs to, Vallario said.

The 14-year-old boy is charged with several crimes including manslaughter, resisting arrest and felony menacing.

Both of the boys' identities have not been released.

Investigators have not yet been able to question the teen about the incident.

The shooting occurred in Battlement Mesa, a western Garfield County community.