(NewsReady.com) – Children are inquisitive little beings by nature. It’s not unusual for a kid to look in their mother’s purse. However, a tragedy unfolded when a child in Indiana did that.
On November 17, a 3-year-old was in his mom’s bedroom when he found a firearm in her purse. The little boy accidentally shot his 2-year-old sibling. The mother discovered the kids and rushed the younger boy to the Northlake Methodist Hospital in Gary. Unfortunately, there was nothing the doctors could do for the child, and he died from his injuries.
The next day, the Gary Police Department reported what happened in a post on social media and asked “all gun owners [to] secure their firearms in a gun box or with a gun lock.” Commander Sam Roberts told WLS News that law enforcement is investigating the tragic incident. After the officers gather the evidence, Roberts said they will hand it over to prosecutors, who will decide whether someone was negligent or if the shooting was just an accident.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office ruled the child’s death accidental.
Gary Police Chief Anthony Titus and Mayor Jerome A. Prince issued a joint statement expressing their sadness over the little boy’s death. They said the death was under investigation and reminded gun owners that they should be “properly securing any firearms and devices that may become weapons” if kids get their hands on them. They went on to let residents know that the police department offers free gun locks and intends to order more in the coming weeks. Titus and Prince said their “hearts and prayers go out to the loved ones” of the deceased child.
Neighbors told the press they heard a loud bang around 7:30 p.m. local time. As of November 20, the police department has not filed any charges against the mother or anyone else. The Gary Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact 219-755-3855.
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