A Virginia father was reportedly out hunting on October 11, 2025, when he shot his firearm. The bullet struck a 16-year-old boy, but the teenager wasn’t hunting with the man; he was sitting inside his home. Deputies with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old Malcolm Matthew Vest in connection with the shooting. The teen survived, and Vest is now facing a felony.
The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office shared information about the shooting on Facebook. It reportedly occurred just after 11 a.m. The teen’s family rushed him to Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, where he remained in stable condition. Deputies from the sheriff’s office, Virginia State Police, and Virginia Conservation Police arrived at the home and began their investigation. They identified Vest as the shooter and took him into custody a short time later.
The story shocked readers, who sounded off in the sheriff’s office’s comment section.
“Never ever ever fire a gun if you’re not 100% sure where the bullet is gonna go after the target is hit or if it is missed,” one person wrote.
Others wondered about Vest’s experience and safety training. “Hunting’s great… but there’s a right and a wrong way to do it! You don’t aim towards people’s houses & you don’t aim towards the roads,” someone else warned.
“Always be sure of your target and what’s behind it,” a reader suggested. “Number one thing taught in hunter safety courses!”
Vest, a proud father to a little girl, posted a sweet message to her in the summer of 2024.
“This is best thing that has ever happened to me in this world this little girl right here, your my buddy my daughter my everything, EVERYDAY i work hard to make sure she has food and clothes and what she needs at the end of the day..I know my life ain’t perfect right now but it’s gonna be for you Babygirl,” he professed in his social media post. “I grew up without a dad until got placed in a better home but you don’t gotta worry about that.. you’re gonna have a mama and daddy that loves and cares and provides for you my sweet angel..I know times are rough but we will get through this.”
Vest was charged with felony reckless handling of a firearm. According to online records, he remains in the Rockbridge Regional Jail without bond.
