A 3-year-old boy in Hammond, Louisiana, died after accidentally shooting himself in the face. The toddler shot himself with his father’s gun that he found between a box-spring bed and a mattress in a bedroom. Authorities are planning to charge the father.
At the time of the shooting, a 5-year-old was also present in the home.
The gun was accessible at eye level to the 3-year-old boy, reported Fox8 News.
Despite immediate efforts by his father and paramedics to save the child, he could not be revived, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Currently, no charges have been filed, but authorities indicated that the father could face negligence charges as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker’s plea for firearm safety underscores the need for vigilance to protect children from such preventable accidents.
The police also highlighted the importance of securely storing firearms, recommending the use of lock boxes and trigger locks to prevent such tragedies.
The incident took place around 1 pm on Wednesday, July 17, at a home on Red Fox Drive in Hammond, Louisiana.