A 7-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 2-year-old brother inside a vehicle parked at a shopping center in California, according to officials.
On Monday, shortly before 4 p.m. local time, the boy unintentionally shot his sibling in the parking area of a shopping center located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, about 45 miles east of Los Angeles, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“During the investigation, deputies found that the victim and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the 7-year-old discovered a firearm in the glove compartment, leading to the tragic shooting,” the department stated in a written release.
Emergency responders quickly transported the injured toddler to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, officials indicated.
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Investigation ongoing
Additional details, such as who was supervising the children at the time and the ownership of the firearm, remain unclear as the investigation was still at an early stage on Tuesday morning.
“The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division arrived and took over the inquiry,” the Sheriff’s Department reported. “A report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for evaluation.”
Those with information have been encouraged to reach out to the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Information can also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at 800-892-7463.
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Misdemeanor or felony charges in California
In California, if a gun owner keeps a loaded weapon accessible and a minor under their care gains access to it, the owner may face misdemeanor or felony charges if the child uses it and it results in someone else’s death, or brings it to a public place, according to the California Attorney General’s office.
Legal actions could be pursued against the gun owner “unless the firearm was stored in a locked container or secured with a locking device to prevent it from being fired temporarily.”
How frequently do accidental shootings take place?
In 2023, nearly 4% of all firearm-related deaths were due to accidental injuries and fatalities, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Approximately 67% of unintentional firearm deaths involved handguns.
“Individuals residing in the U.S. are four times more likely to die from an unintentional firearm injury compared to residents of other high-income nations,” the department stated.
Series of accidental shootings
The day after the 7-year-old accidentally shot his brother, a 3-year-old accidentally shot and injured their 1-year-old sibling in North Carolina “with a firearm that had been kept in the home,” the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office reported in a release, according to The Star, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.
The toddler involved in this incident is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital and is anticipated to fully recover.