A 3-year-old boy was in critical condition on Friday after he accidentally shot himself at a home in New Jersey, police said.
Authorities were called to the Newark residence to investigate reports of gunfire on Thursday around 5:45 p.m., WABC reported. When they arrived at the scene, on Wainwright Street near Bragaw Avenue, they discovered three children, one suffering from a gunshot wound, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage said.
The child, who could not be identified, was taken to the nearby University Hospital, where he remains in critical conditionaccording to the authorities.
The other two children at the scene were not physically injuredsaid the police. It’s not clear if any adults were present at the time of the shooting, but the owner of a nearby store told News 12 New Jersey that the victim’s older brother entered their business to use his phone and call 911.
After a preliminary investigation, the police determined that the boy’s gunshot wound was likely self-inflicted. They also believe the shooting was accidental.
Frage told reporters that a gun was found at the scene, but he did not provide further details. It is unclear exactly how the child got hold of the firearm.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.