In a tragic and shocking incident, a two-year-old child accidentally shot a man inside a Chesterfield County, Virginia home on Monday morning. The incident has raised urgent questions about gun safety, as the man remains in critical condition following the shooting.
Details of the incident
The shooting occurred on August 19 at approximately 10 a.m. when police responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on the 4400 block of Butler Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim with a gunshot wound and immediately administered medical aid. The man was later airlifted to a hospital for further treatment. Chesterfield Police provided additional details to CBS 6 News, confirming that the incident unfolded as follows: “The victim, who was preparing to leave the house, placed his handgun on a nearby chair. The child, nearly three years old, then accessed the gun and accidentally discharged it, striking the victim. Thankfully, the child was unharmed, and no one else in the house was injured. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”
Victim’s relationship and community response
According to WRIC, a Virginia ABC affiliate, the victim is the boyfriend of the child’s mother. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with neighbours expressing their concern and hopes for the victim’s recovery. Neighbour Lisa Wood, who saw the child shortly after the shooting, described the scene: “After I went into the house, he was sitting there like a normal kid. It’s not like, you know, he’s worried, or, you know, anything like that. He still has a smile,” she said. Other neighbours speaking to CBS 6 underscored the importance of gun safety, emphasizing that this tragic event serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers of improper firearm storage.
“Bad things happen whenever you’re not responsible with your stuff. And it, really, really sucks that it had to be a child. And, you know, hopefully, this adult will pull through because, like, this — this sucks. Today was just a day that, you know, that wasn’t good,” Wood added. As the victim fights for his life, this heartbreaking incident highlights the critical need for responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with young children.
The Chesterfield Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while the community rallies in support of the victim and his family.
