FERGUSON — A toddler accidentally shot himself Saturday after he found his uncle’s gun inside a home here.
The uncle is a Ƶ sheriff’s deputy and was arrested on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a child, said Ferguson police spokesperson Pat Washington. He was released and not in custody Wednesday.
But Washington said detectives plan to apply for charges Thursday morning.
Washington said the shooting happened during a family gathering. The 2-year-old wandered into a room where the gun was within reach. He was in critical condition but stable on Saturday, and Washington did not know if his condition had changed as of Wednesday.
When police arrived at the home, Washington said, “The mother had the child in her arms and brought him downstairs.”
Ferguson police Chief Troy Doyle confirmed the man who owned the gun is a Ƶ sheriff’s deputy, but he did not know if the gun was his department-issued firearm.
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“This incident must propel us to adopt and advocate for comprehensive gun safety practices,” Doyle said in a statement. “As a community, we must unite to protect our children, ensuring that such near-tragedies are never repeated.”
Ƶ Sheriff Vernon Betts released a statement through his campaign manager, Steve Engelhardt: “First, our prayers are with the family of this young man who was tragically injured. We are praying for his complete recovery. This tragic accident is exactly why I mandate weapons safety training and safe storage including gun locks.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct that the deputy has not been charged as of Wednesday afternoon. Ferguson police initially provided incorrect information.