4-Year-Old Deputy’s Son Accidentally Shot Himself And Died

A 4-year old deputy’s son accidentally shot himself and died over the weekend. The boy was the son of a Jackson County, Michigan Sheriff’s deputy.

Shortly after the father left for his shift with the sheriff’s department, 911 received a call from the child’s mother. The child was reportedly handling a loaded handgun when it accidentally discharged and the child was killed. As reported by M Live, the father was contacted, along with state police who responded to the scene.

The child, who has not been identified, was taken to Allegiance Health hospital where he later died from the injury.

Just last week another 4-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself in Texas. As reported by ABC, the child in Houston, Texas was handling a loaded handgun while his father slept.

According to reports the child and his father were both napping, but the boy woke before his father. Jaiden Pratt found the gun and accidentally shot himself in the stomach.

Authorities arrived shortly after the shooting but were not able to revive the child. Police recovered the gun and unspecified amounts of crack cocaine and marijuana from the home. Marquiez Deshon Pratt, age 20, was arrested for negligence and drug possession.

Experts warn gun owners to use extreme caution to prevent accidents with guns. Project Safe Child suggests making sure that all firearms are safely and properly secured at all times. Additionally, the website suggests that firearms are kept in an area that is not easily accessible, especially by children. Safety kits are available from many sources, which provide safety guidelines for keeping firearms in the home, and gun locking devices are also recommended.

Michigan police are convinced that the incident was unintentional, but will be conducting an investigation per department procedures. The Jackson County Sheriff’s department will not be involved in the investigation but will provide counseling to the family and colleagues of the deputy. State police contend that they do not suspect foul play as it was apparent that the 4-year-old boy accidentally shot himself.

[Image via Flickr]