On Saturday May 11th at approximately 11:20pm, APD officers were sent to the 9000 block of Orry on an accidental shooting. Upon arrival officers discovered a small 6 year old male had found a pistol that had been “hidden” by the homeowner and he accidentally shot himself in the abdomen. The male was taken to a local hospital, and then later flown to Lubbock for medical treatment. The child is reported in stable condition. The child was at a relative’s house however none of the occupants witnessed the shooting. The incident remains under investigation.
This incident should remind parents and caregivers to be vigilant in securing firearms that are within reach of children. Extra precaution should be taken to keep any firearm out of a child’s hand. Children are naturally curious and adventurous, simply hiding or placing a weapon high on a shelf will not always offer the security that gun locks or a gun safe offer.
