A tragic incident unfolded in Indiana as a 2-year-old boy lost his life due to an accidental shooting by his 3-year-old brother, according to reports from local news outlets.
On Friday, Nov. 17, police responded to a call at around 7:20 p.m. and rushed to a hospital in Gary after receiving reports of the young boy being shot, as per WTHR.
The child’s mother informed authorities that her 3-year-old son had found her handgun in her purse and accidentally shot his younger brother while in her bedroom, causing her to quickly drive the toddler to the hospital, reported WGN9.
Tragically, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, as reported by WLS. The Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force is conducting an investigation into the incident to determine whether it was negligence or an unfortunate accident, according to Gary Police Cmdr. Sam Roberts.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office has ruled the boy’s death as accidental, WGN9 reported. As a result, the Gary Police Department has urged gun owners to secure their firearms properly with a gun box or locks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of Nov. 19, no charges were announced by officials, and the investigation is still ongoing, as per WTHR. Gary is located around 150 miles northwest of Indianapolis.
For comparison, here are a few similar incidents of accidental child shootings: Teacher accused of beating 2-year-old to death in 2020 now charged, Georgia officials say, 2-year-old finds gun dropped on day care playground and shoots herself, Nevada cops say, and Baby overdoses on fentanyl twice in one month, Indiana officials say. Mom is charged.
