17-year-old uncle charged after 3-year-old accidentally shot himself in the head in South Philadelphia: sources

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A 17-year-old is in custody after police say a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the head inside a home in South Philadelphia.

It happened around 11 p.m. on Wednesday on the 2100 block of South 26th Street near Snyder Avenue.

Police say they received a 911 call about gunshots in that area and found a blood trail from the sidewalk that led into the child’s upstairs bedroom.

That’s when police say they learned the child had already been rushed to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in a private vehicle.

“We’re just hoping for the best for this child because he is shot in the head and he is in critical condition, undergoing surgery,” said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Officials say their preliminary investigation indicates the boy accidentally shot himself.

According to police, officers found a magazine for a gun inside the home, but no weapon has been found.

Officers say they heard conflicting stories from people who were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

At least three people were taken in for questioning by police, Small said.

Sources tell Action News that the 17-year-old uncle of the boy has been taken into custody and is being charged with endangering the welfare of children.

The sources say he allegedly had several guns inside the home.

“I’ve said this many times: if there’s children in the house, they should not be able to get access to a gun,” Small said.

Officials stress that gun owners should keep their weapons secured in safes or lock boxes and bullets should be separated from the weapon.

The incident remains under investigation.

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