Teen charged after his nephew, 3, accidentally shoots himself, Philly DA says
A teenager was arrested and charged after his 3-year-old nephew took his gun and accidentally shot himself in the head inside a Philadelphia home, officials said.
According to police, the incident happened around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, on the 2100 block of S. 26th St. in the city’s Grays Ferry neighborhood on the second floor of a residence.
Police said preliminary investigation indicates that the child was in a second-floor bedroom when he suffered a “self-inflicted wound.”
The boy had been shot in the head and transported to a nearby hospital by family members, police said. The child remains in critical condition.
Police said several people, including teens, were inside the home during the shooting. They provided conflicting statements, and some were uncooperative.
During an afternoon press conference, officials with the District Attorney’s Office initially said that the boy’s 17-year-old brother was arrested and charged in connection to the shooting. They later issued a correction, saying that the teen suspect is actually the boy’s uncle.
Officials said the teen already had a prior weapons offense and was prohibited from owning a firearm. The teen is also charged with recklessly endangering another person, tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice.
The weapon was not recovered; only a magazine was found, police shared. Officials urged the community and family members of the brothers to help them locate the gun, which they say is a key piece of the ongoing investigation.
Police emphasize that guns should be secured away from children using safes, lock boxes, or trigger locks to prevent accidental shootings.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
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