JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded Monday night to a report of a toddler who died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to JSO, the incident occurred at about 10 p.m. Officers said their investigation revealed that a 2-year-old boy somehow accessed a firearm inside his home and accidentally shot himself.
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The sheriff’s office is reminding gun owners that it is against the law to knowingly leave a loaded firearm accessible to a child younger than 16. If a child gains access to the firearm and uses it to cause injury or death, the gun owner could face criminal charges.
JSO said free gun locks are available at its District 1 substation, located at 5258 Norwood Ave., and its District 2 substation, located at 9119 Merrill Road.
Here are some tips from JSO on being a responsible gun owner:
Keep firearms locked and out of the reach of children.Use a gun safe, lockbox or trigger lock to prevent unauthorized access.Never leave a firearm unsecured in your home or vehicle.Talk to your children about firearm safety.Teach children that real guns are not toys and can seriously hurt or kill someone.If they ever find a gun, they should: Stop. Don’t touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.Ask family members, babysitters and the parents of your children’s friends how firearms are stored in their homes.