Rockbridge County hunter charged after teen shot through bedroom window

Written in association with The Rockbridge Report, read the article here.

A Rockbridge County teenager is recovering after he was shot through the bedroom window of his home in Raphine — and investigators say the shot was fired by a nearby hunter.

The 16-year-old, who was inside his home when he was hit, was taken to Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital in Lexington.

The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office says the shooting happened late Saturday morning.

Deputies identified the hunter as Malcolm Vest, 26, of Rockbridge County. He was charged with reckless handling of a firearm — a felony under Virginia law. Vest could face up to five years in prison if convicted, District Court Judge Christopher Billias said during a hearing Wednesday.

Vest is being held without bond at the Rockbridge Regional Jail. The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing.

Court filings said Vest was using a rifle and voluntarily gave up the weapon after the incident.

The teenager has a bruised lung, according to court records. He’s in stable condition.