Rancho Cucamonga, CA — A 4-year-old boy was hospitalized this week after accidentally shooting himself with a gun found inside his family’s Rancho Cucamonga home, authorities confirmed Saturday.
The incident occurred around 7:19 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of Haven Avenue, according to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.
Deputies arrived to find the young boy suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to survive, though his exact condition has not been disclosed.
A preliminary investigation revealed the child found an unsecured firearm in his parents’ bedroom and accidentally discharged the weapon, striking himself in the stomach.
Following the incident, all firearms were removed from the home for safekeeping, and a report was filed with Children and Family Services, police said.
In a statement, authorities urged gun owners to use the incident as a reminder of the importance of properly securing firearms to prevent tragedies.
“We urge all gun owners to take this unfortunate incident as a reminder of the critical importance of safely securing all firearms,” the department said. “Please ensure guns are stored properly and kept out of the reach of children.”
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff’s Station at 909-477-2800. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or online.
