Teen accidentally shot himself, blamed it on fleeing assailant, cops say

A teen found with a gunshot wound in his upper leg told police he'd been shot by an assailant — but actually accidentally shot himself and lied about it, police say.

New Jersey Advance Media quotes Paterson police saying they responded to the reported shooting Saturday evening to find a 16-year-old in a home, wounded. The teen reportedly said he'd been walking home when a man got out of a Dodge Charger, shot him and drover off.

Police have recovered the weapon they believe the teen was using, the report said. He's expected to be charged with weapons offenses.

"The Paterson Police Department takes this seriously and will not be fooled by anyone," Police Director Jerry Speziale said in a statement cited in multiple reports.