Visalia police officers responded to the shooting on North Leslie Street near West Connelly Avenue at 2:50 a.m. Sunday.
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Officers found the 18-year-old lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he is expected to be okay.
Investigators later learned that 46-year-old Samuel Bustos, the victim's uncle, was pointing a gun at his wife, threatening to kill her.
Police say the 18-year-old stepped in to protect his aunt and was shot while fighting over the gun.
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Bustos was arrested and booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on attempted murder and weapon charges.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.