MEMPHIS, TN -
(WMC-TV) – The police investigation continues as the toddler recovers at Lebohner children's hospital. Monday night, police responded to a report that a 2-year-old accidentally shot himself in the finger with a handgun.
The accident happened on the 4000 block of Westmont Road.
"People over there were screaming and hollering," said Marlene Street, who lives in the neighborhood. "Little kids and stuff," she added. "And I heard them talking about some bleeding and all this," said Street.
Action News 5 was told the child's mother may have been in the kitchen when the gun went off. There was no information about where the child may have found the weapon, but the gun's owner apparently left the house before officers arrived.
The 2-year-old was taken to LeBonheur Children's Hospital in non-critical condition.
Street said no place is a safe one for a handgun with kids in the house unless it is properly locked.
"And they (children) watching," said Street. "That's what people don't realize. They watching what parents do."
At last check, police were not sure if charges would be filed. Many departments across the Mid-South offer free gun locks.
Copyright 2012 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WFXG, a Raycom Media Station.
