Incident raises concerns over firearm safety in homes with children
A Pennsylvania father has been arrested following a tragic incident in which his two-year-old son accidentally shot himself with a loaded gun left unattended on a bed. The 34-year-old man turned himself over to the police on Wednesday, September 25.
The father, Luis Marin, 34, of Montgomery County, faces multiple charges as the case highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms in homes with young children.
The incident
The incident occurred on May 15, 2024, at the family’s home in Pottstown. According to The Mirror US, Marin was reportedly “playing on his phone” when the horrific incident occurred. During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered that he had gone to a second-floor bedroom before the shooting to retrieve a crossbody bag he intended to lend his nephew. Marin’s two handguns and ear protection, which he placed on the bed, were typically stored in that same bag.
Moments later, the two-year-old boy accidentally fired one of the guns, striking himself in the torso.
Aftermath and immediate response
The terrifying ordeal unfolded quickly. Marin, realizing what had happened, immediately grabbed his injured son and rushed outside while applying pressure to the wound. His wife, the boy’s mother, arrived home soon after, and together they transported their son to Pottstown Hospital.
Due to the severity of the injuries, the toddler was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital. Medical personnel informed police that the child had suffered multiple injuries from the self-inflicted gunshot, including broken ribs, a fractured scapula, damage to his left lung, and burnt, stippled skin indicating the gun had been fired at close range.
Father arrested: Felony charges filed
Following a months-long investigation, Luis Marin voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement on September 25, 2024. He was arrested and charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person. The charges stem from his alleged negligence in leaving a loaded firearm unattended and accessible to his young son.
District Attorney Kevin Steele underscored the gravity of the situation, stating:
“This shooting is a frightening reminder to parents that children, even very young children, can and do find unsecured firearms in a home, and their inclination is to play with them.”
Child’s injuries: A frightening reminder of firearm safety
Despite the severity of the injuries, the two-year-old boy miraculously survived the incident. Authorities hope this case will serve as a sobering warning to gun owners about the importance of proper firearm storage, especially in homes with children.
Gun safety experts have long advocated for the use of secure storage solutions, such as gun safes or lockboxes, to prevent tragedies like this. In this case, the unsecured weapons on the bed had catastrophic consequences.
Legal consequences for Luis Marin
Luis Marin’s legal troubles are far from over. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 8, 2024. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Magisterial District Judge Jody L. Griffis has set his bail at $50,000 unsecured, with the condition that no firearms are permitted in his home during the legal proceedings.
As the community grapples with the incident, the case serves as a stark reminder of the life-threatening consequences of carelessly stored firearms in households with children.