KC area 2-year-old finds gun, accidentally shoots and kills himself, police believe
A 2-year-old boy who died of a gunshot wound this week apparently found the gun in an apartment and accidentally shot himself, Gladstone police say.
The death remained under investigation by the Gladstone Police Department on Wednesday. But Capt. Rob Hays, a police spokesman, told The Star that it appears the child “found an unsecured handgun in the residence and shot himself.”
The shooting was reported just before 6 p.m. Tuesday inside a residence at the Creeks of Gladstone Apartments in the 100 block of Northeast 59th Terrace. Officers found the boy suffering from a gunshot wound. Police officers, paramedics and other emergency workers administered first aid to the child.
The boy was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The child’s name has not been released by police.
Hays said no one has been taken into custody, and adults who were inside the residence were cooperating with police in the investigation.
“After we conclude with our investigation, we’ll submit the case to the Clay County prosecutor for any charges and let them make that determination,” Hays said.
Following the incident, the department posted reminders on social media that it provides free gun locks to gun owners, including those who live outside the city. Anyone who needs a lock is asked to call police at 816-423-4047.
