SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- A 15-year-old boy faces assault charges Monday after he shot his friend in the face.

Springfield Police Sargeant Rich Charboneau said it happend Sunday at a home on Kenray Loop.

He said the two male teens spent Saturday night with the suspect's stepbrother. When the stepbrother left the next morning without locking up his .38 caliber revolver, the teens got hold of it. Charboneau said the suspect then shot his friend, but the motive is still under investigation.

The victim is at OHSU in Portland with life-threatening injuries.  Charboneau said his condition has improved, and he's able to communicate through writing with detectives, but unable to speak.

The suspect has since been charged with second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is now lodged at Serbu Juvenile Justice Center in Eugene.

The District Attorney will decide whether or not the suspect will be tried as an adult.

That office will is also responsible for figuring out whether the gun owner, who is also the homeowner, faces any criminal liability.

Police are continuing their investigation.