Trigger Warning: This article contains references to the alleged gun violence that some readers may find distressing.

A two-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the stomach after he discovered his father’s gun at a home in East Toledo, Ohio, on Friday evening, July 31.

The Toledo police officers responded to the family’s home on the 1400 block of Navarre Avenue after the shooting, which happened around 7.30 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

Police arrested the toddler’s father, Sulieman T. Rahim, 28, and he is charged with two third-degree felony charges of endangering children and one third-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence. According to court records, a 13-year-old girl was also inside the house. 

Investigators later recovered the firearm after searching the home. According to police, Rahim allegedly concealed the gun after the shooting, leading to the tampering charge. 

The toddler was taken to the hospital in critical condition but was later stabilized after receiving treatment.

A Toledo police spokesperson noted, “Our thoughts remain with the child and his loved ones.”

According to the criminal complaint, Rahim was visiting his son that evening when the child found a loaded gun inside his backpack.

Detectives are still working to determine how the shooting unfolded. It remains unclear whether the child fired the gun inside or outside the home.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

 

It is also unclear if the boy removed the weapon from Rahim’s backpack or whether it was hidden behind the register vent in the bedroom. Police have asked neighbors who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to help with the investigation.

The incident quickly drew attention on social media, with many criticizing the father and praying for the toddler’s health. A Facebook user commented, “He will be out by Monday doing it again. Someone with no regard for human life should never be let out. He was lucky the child did not die. Next time, I won’t be so lucky for the child.” Another added, “Praying for the toddler.”

A netizen wrote, “Isn’t it sad that it’s only a misdemeanor when a child is shot and critically injured but a felony when the charge isn’t in regard to human life?” “He’s just stupid,” added one more. Many pointed out the aftermath of the shooting could have been worse, and were relieved that the toddler survived.

Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts in the story and is reporting based on the information available within the public record.