CHESTERFIELD, VA – A horrifying event unfolded Monday morning in the 4400 block of Butler Lane when a 2-year-old boy accidentally shot an adult male using the man’s unguarded firearm. The man is now in critical condition, having been swiftly airlifted to hospital following the incident. The details about the relationship between the victim and the child have not been disclosed.
Local authorities responded promptly to calls reporting a shooting in the area. Subsequent investigations revealed that the firearm had been placed on a chair while the victim prepared to leave the house. Taking advantage of this unguarded moment, the toddler got hold of the gun and inadvertently discharged it, leading to the tragic accident. No other members of the household, including the child, were injured in the incident.
Close neighbors have called the tragic event a freak accident, saying they never would have anticipated such an event in their otherwise peaceful community. Lisa Wood, who lives nearby, said she considers the residents of the house where the shooting happened as family, describing the victim and the toddler as individuals of good nature and intentions.
The incident has prompted Chesterfield residents to reemphasize the importance of responsible firearm practices, especially when children are present. Both gun owners and non-owners in the community agree on the criticality of safe storage of firearms to avoid unforeseen accidents in the future.
The investigation into the event by Chesterfield police is still ongoing.