BABY SHOT: Police Say Boy Hit In Freak Accident

A one year old Des Moines boy is recovering from a gunshot wound to the leg.  It happened at the child’s home yesterday afternoon.   Witnesses told police they heard a “pop”. 

“This is a very freak accident that the bullet traveled through two walls and struck somebody,” says Des Moines Police Sgt. Chris Scott.

The  19 month old boy was playing in the backyard of his home in the 800 block of Granger Ave.  His father and his nephew were in the garage.  Police say the nephew wanted to use the gun as collateral on a loan.  When the father refused, the gun somehow fired hitting his son in the leg.

“When the parent realized that their 19 month old child had just been shot, they did what any parent would do and that is scoop the child up and immediately go to the hospital,” says Scott.

The toddler is in good condition tonight.  When he showed up at Mercy with a gunshot wound, the hospital had to contact authorities.  But doctors say there was no signs of abuse.

“Stuff happens and you feel bad for the parents and hope everything works out,” says neighbor Ann Lopez.

“Accidents do happen, but I think what our investigators will try to determine is what was actually occurring.   Was this negligent to be handling a gun in the way that they were handling it?” explains Scott.

Police are not naming the family member who accidentally shot the baby.  As of tonight, no charges have been filed.