An 18-year-old man was arrested Friday for an alleged accidental shooting that has left a 13-year-old clinging to life.

The alleged shooter, Jamar Bethune, says he didn't know the gun was loaded when he fired it at the boy. Bethune is friends with the 13-year-old, according to witnesses.

Bethune has been arrested on charges of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child.

Marquise Perez remains hospitalized in critical condition at Kings County Hospital. According to witnesses, Perez was accidentally shot in the head Thursday when Bethune pointed the gun at his temple as a joke.

Friends of the family say Perez has been responsive to the sound and touch of family members.

AP wires contributed to this article.

Bed-Stuy teen accidentally shoots himself in head