Father charged after 3-year-old shot with unsecured gun

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Police were called to a Whitehaven fire station Monday afternoon after they say a three-year-old boy was brought in suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police say the child was brought in by family to the station located at 2231 East Shelby Drive.

The boy was then transported to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

After a minor was shot Monday afternoon, family sought help from first responders at Fire... — After a minor was shot Monday afternoon, family sought help from first responders at Fire Station No. 40 in Whitehaven.(Action News 5)

Police say this was the result of an accidental shooting that took place at Celt Cove in Oakhaven.

During the investigation, it was found that the child’s father, 53-year-old Jerome Johnson, left a gun unattended, and the 3-year-old was able to get a hold of it.

Johnson is charged with aggravated child neglect and reckless endangerment.

At last check, the child is still in critical condition.

“We have a major problem with fire arm injuries in children and community violence,” Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Trauma Medical Director Dr. Regan Williams said.

Dr. Williams told Action News 5 in August she’s passionate about decreasing firearm injuries in children.

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital says 30 children have been shot accidentally as of September.

Memphis police have repeatedly asked citizens to secure their weapons in their vehicles or in their homes.

“They feel like they need [their gun] quickly. It’s not readily available so they don’t spend time putting a gun lock on it, which is a simple thing to do,” said Major Vincent Beasley with Memphis police.

Anyone can pick up a free gun lock at any Shelby County Sheriff’s Office substation or any Memphis police precinct.

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