SAN DIEGO -- A 15-year-old boy suffered serious injuries Monday when he was shot in the face at close range with a pellet from a pellet rifle, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

The incident happened at a home in Santee while the victim and several friends were shooting at empty milk jugs, police said.

According to initial statements, one of the friends was holding the pellet rifle when it accidentally fired, striking the boy.

The pellet entered near his left eye next to his nose, police said. It traveled into his skull, causing severe injuries, and lodged in the back of the teenager's head, according to police.

He was transported to Grossmont Hospital and was later transferred to Children's Hospital due to the severity of the injuries, police said.

The case is under investigation.