Three children were seriously injured in separate gun accidents today, one in Florida, one in Tennessee and one in Georgia.
A 14-year old boy in Miami, Florida was preparing to start working out with his father in the family garage. When he went to move his father’s gun, it went off. The boy was airlifted to a nearby hospital and was initially listed in stable condition.
In Memphis, Tennessee, Steven Sibley, a man who regularly pointed the laser sighting device on his gun at his children ultimately shot one of them in the stomach. According to a report, Sibley told police that his son had shot himself, but his story was contradicted by his other children. One child stated Sibley was playing with the gun and pointing the laser at them when the incident occurred, which he had done on multiple occasions in the past. The victim, whose age was not reported, was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
And a Sandy Springs, Georgia child of unknown age was reported to be in stable condition after an accidental shooting. According to a report, the child shot himself after finding a loaded handgun.
Sources:
Walter Morris, “Teen Airlifted to Hospital after Accidental Shooting in South Miami-Dade,” 7News Miami (April 22, 2021).
Eryn Taylor, Quametra Wilborn, “Man Accused of Pointing Gun at Children on Multiple Occasions Arrested after Son Shot,” WREG Memphis (April 23, 2021).
Mary Gleason, Lauren Sennett, “Police: Shooting of a Child is Determined Accidental in Sandy Springs,” cbs46.com (April 23, 2021).