3-year-old boy playing with gun shoots himself in the leg, Riverside police say

“A 3-year-old got ahold of his father’s weapon and accidentally shot himself in the leg,” Riverside police Sgt. Michael Safried said.

The gun was in a bedroom, and the young boy brought it into the living room where he was playing with it before he shot himself, the sergeant said.

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The child’s father was home at the time, and the boy was taken to the hospital in stable condition, Safried said.

The shooting is under investigation and it’s not clear whether the father will face charges, Safried said.

Firearm safety is of the “utmost importance,” especially when children are in the home, the sergeant said.

"If you're going to own firearms, buy a safe. Secure them, keep them unloaded if you're not going to put them in a safe. Your children are most important."

FIRST REPORT

Police and medics were called Monday night to a report of an accidental shooting involving a young child.

The incident happened around 6:50 p.m. on Eubanks Drive off Airway Road in Riverside.

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According to initial reports, a 3-year-old boy shot himself in the leg after picking up a gun off a shelf when his parents weren’t looking.

The child’s condition was unknown but he was reported to be breathing.

We have a crew on the way and will update this report.