DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — An 18-year-old male has been arrested in the wounding of a 17-year-old female who was shot in the mouth Thursday night, Jan. 8, in a game of Russian Roulette, Dayton police said.

Police and a fire/rescue unit were dispatched to the 1700 block of Banker Street, in DeSoto Bass public housing, about 10:45 p.m. on a report of a shooting.

The young woman, whose name was not immediately available, was taken to Miami Valley Hospital where she was in serious, but not life-threatening, condition, Dayton Lt. John Bardun said.

She and the male were playing Russian Roulette in the living room of the dwelling, using a .357 Magnum handgun. There were at least two other witnesses, Bardun said.

He put the gun to her mouth and pulled the trigger more than once, Bardun said.

Investigators found five bullets in the dwelling, which could indicate that they had been removed to leave one round in the weapon — as the game is played.

Police have not recovered the gun, Bardun said.

After he shot her, he told her he loved her, Bardun said.

She ran to a neighboring residence and called police, Bardun said.

Police arrested the suspect not long after the incident. He was detained for questioning.

The suspect wears a tattoo that identifies him as a member of the DeSoto Bass Killers street gang, but the incident was not gang related, Bardun said.

"It's people playing Russian Roulette and being stupid," Bardun said. "She's very lucky. It's a high-powered round."