Accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound leaves Phoenix toddler hospitalized

A Phoenix toddler is in the hospital following what police are describing as an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The shooting happened in Phoenix near 7th and Southern avenues on Oct. 19. The toddler is expected to survive the injuries.

On Sunday, FOX 10 learned a boy was arrested in connection to this incident.

He was referred to the juvenile court center and is accused of endangerment and possessing a firearm as a minor.

Phoenix Police say the boy is suspected of bringing the gun to the home and that he does not live there.

Jeffeory Hynes, a retired Phoenix Police Commander, says, "Any time you deal with an injured child, it just rocks you."

In most cases, he says, when a child is injured or killed, there can be a rush to blame.

"Did I do this, did I cause this, what could I have done to prevent this? All those issues come up and you just, your heart goes out to the individuals, especially the family members," Hynes said.

It's up to gun owners to keep their weapons secured, he says, and educate their children on how to handle them safely.

"Any time you touch a weapon, any time you leave a weapon out, it has to be seen as ready to go, that it's armed, it's in a position to fire," Hynes said.

Arizona currently has no law requiring gun owners to securely store their firearms when not in use, but state lawmakers have tried to pass one.

Christian's Law was a bill named after 15-year-old Christian Petillo who was shot and killed at a friend's home in 2021 by an unsecured gun. His family started the non-profit No Do-overs to advocate for safe gun storage.

Christian's Law would fine gun owners up to a thousand dollars for unsecured guns, but Hynes says responsible gun ownership is just common sense.

"Where's my weapon, and how secure is it? Go back, check it. Does it have a trigger lock on it? Is it secure that nobody can get to it? Is it high enough that toddlers or children cannot get to it and that's just being a responsible gun owner," Hynes explained.

As for this latest accidental shooting, he says to let the investigation run its course.

"When you hear of an issue like this, everybody says, 'Those crazy parents, what would possess them to leave a gun where a child could get to it?' We don't know. We don't know the circumstances. I can tell you there will be a thorough investigation. If the parents are found to be negligent, they will be charged," Hynes said.