Three-year-old Shoots Off-duty Deputy Uncle

In Spring, Texas, a three-year-old retrieved an unsecured gun from its holster and shot his uncle in the hand. The victim is a deputy with the sheriff’s office, and is stable condition at the hospital. He fell asleep on a couch after placing his duty belt near where the child was able to access it. Many questions remain about the incident that is under investigation. The only other person in the home was the deputy’s mother. It’s unclear if the gun is the deputy’s service weapon and if the child was visiting or lived at the house. It’s also unclear if any charges will be filed.

“I was kind of blown back by it. Kind of didn’t expect that from a police officer who has the best firearms training,” said a neighbor. “I feel that’s a good thing that he didn’t get hurt (the child), but praying for the officer, too, who got shot. That’s a big one, too.”

Source:

Cory McCord, “Toddler Finds Gun, Shoots Off-duty Harris County Deputy, Constable Says,” khou.com (January 27, 2026)