Every year, nearly 3000 children and teens die from gunfire, and nearly 14,000 are injured.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

2-year old Utah boy gets Police father's gun and shoots self to death

A 2-year old boy in Springville, Utah, got hold of his father's gun in the home and shot himself to death.

The father is an active police officer.

From an article and news video:

"I'm not quite sure whether it was the service weapon or not, but the child got a hold of the handgun and shot himself with it," said Tim Taylor, chief deputy with the Utah County Attorney's Office.
Paramedics were called to the home, but it was too late to help the boy, whose name investigators declined to release. Taylor says investigators will look for any negligence involved, but at this point are calling the shooting an accident.

From what I have looked at right now, we're not looking at any charges.
–Tim Taylor
"From what I have looked at right now, we're not looking at any charges," Taylor said. "It's more of investigating a tragic accident."
The tragedy is impacting those who know the officer and his family.
"Our hearts and our prayers go out to this family," Taylor said. "Tough, tough situation and we are so sorry for them, but I think there is a lot of people rallying to support them."
No charges will be filed, according to the report.

Don't you think a police officer, of all people, should be held to a higher standard regarding gun safety?  Having an unsecured, loaded gun in the home isn't a "tragic accident," it's gross negligence and a deadly risk.

Every gun in the hands of a child must first pass through the hands of an adult.

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