Brunswick Hills police are investigating how a 3-year-old child was able to get a hold of a loaded gun and shoot himself with it; that gunshot ended up killing that little boy.
Police got the call about the shooting Wednesday around 5 in the afternoon at a home off of Marks Road. They were told a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the chest with a gun.
“Immediately within two minutes, Brunswick Hills police officers responded to the scene, started rendering first aid assistance to a three-year-old child. A child was transported to metro hospital by life flight,” said Brunswick Hills Police Chief Tim Sopkovic.
Chief Sopkovich tells News 5 it was a semi-automatic pistol that was left in a garage, but it's unclear how the child got it and who owns it.
“The case is still under investigation. Right now our investigations believe that you know the weapon was just unattended on the workbench and a child got access to it,” said Chief Sopkovic.
The boy was transported to a Metro hospital in Cleveland, where he later died. The chief adds that shootings like this should remind gun owners to lock up their weapons, especially when there are children around.
“I think everybody owns a weapon and everybody legally can have a weapon. They should be responsible. They should have it locked up secured. They should have education to their children, their loved ones, if they do have weapons in the house.” said Chief Sopkovic.
Brunswick Hills Police determined the incident was an accidental shooting. The death is still under investigation, but when they learn more details on who owns the weapon and what took place, charges are expected.
Chief Sopkovic also reminds everyone that at their station, they have free gun locks to ensure gun safety.
Editor's note: This is a developing story that has been updated as we have learned more from police.
