Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 08:54 pm
Chesterfield County, VA – In a profoundly troubling incident, a two-year-old child accidentally shot a man Monday morning, August 19, at a residence in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The sad accident happened as a result of the child’s having been able to get his hands on a handgun and accidentally shooting it, seriously injuring the man.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Chesterfield Police responded to the incident at about 10 a.m. Initial first aid was administered, and the man was airlifted to a hospital for further treatment.
Circumstances Of Incident
According to statements given to CBS 6 News by Chesterfield Police, the victim was preparing to leave the residence and had placed his handgun on a chair. The almost three-year-old child is said to have retrieved the gun and accidentally fired it into the man. The child did not hurt himself and nobody else in the home was injured.
Community Reaction and Gun Safety Concerns
The incident has shaken the local community, with neighbors taking concern for the victim and focusing on the crucial issue of gun safety. Lisa Wood, a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath of the incident, shared her observations: “After I went into the house, he was sitting there like a normal kid. He didn’t seem to realize what had happened.”
Others hoped the victim would pull through, adding responsible gun ownership should be emphasized. “This serves as a stark reminder that when firearms aren’t properly secured, accidents can happen,” one neighbor said.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigation into the incident is still ongoing and is yet to get more details. The victim, who was identified as the boyfriend of the child’s mother, was in critical condition. “It really shows the importance of stringent gun safety practices-particularly when young children are present in the home,” police said.
