Two Gun Accidents, One Man Killed A person was taken to the hospital for treatment after accidentally shooting themself in Bristol, Vermont. Police did not release any other details, as they continue to investigate the shooting. And Tyric Edwards, age 25, was passing a gun back and forth with a woman in a car in …
Category: Illinois
Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation Texas
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Toddler and Two Other People Injured in Accidental Shootings A two-year-old child in Overton, Texas was accidentally shot in the chest and airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The child is in stable condition, and no one has been charged at this time. A 16-year-old in Carbondale, Illinois, was unintentionally shot and injured when a group of juveniles mishandled …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Idaho Illinois Juvenile Arrested Louisiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Three Unintended Shootings on Halloween Dusty Clausen, of Payette, Idaho, who is the father of two young children, including one who is three months old, is in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself on Halloween. While removing a loaded rifle from a gun safe inside his home, the trigger snagged on other firearms in the …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alcohol and Guns Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Kentucky Michigan Uncategorized
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024
Two-year-old Boy is One of Three Victims Who Were Injured in Gun Accidents Today In Owensboro, Kentucky, a man was shot in the leg when a gun unintentionally discharged in the apartment next door. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries when the bullet came through the wall. The neighbor, Michael Chavez, 24, returned home from a bar with friends, and …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Indiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024
One Person Dead, Three Injured, in Unintentional Shootings Today In a home in Kokomo, Indiana, 37 year-old Henry Clayton was unintentionally shot and killed by Perry A. Reyes, age 31, with a gun that Clayton had been showing him, and that Reyes mistakenly thought was unloaded. When Reyes got ahold of the gun, he pointed it at Clayton and pulled the trigger, fatally wounding Clayton. Reyes …
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024
Toddler and Six-year-old Injured After Being Shot with Unsecured Guns A two-year-old boy is expected to be OK after he was unintentionally shot in the hand by a 16-year-old boy in a home in Lyons, Illinois. Few details about the shooting have been reported while police continue to investigate. Also, a six-year-old child found an …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Delaware Illinois Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Ongoing Investigation
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2024
Two People Shot During Police Stop, and Toddler Fires Unsecured Gun Injuring One An investigatory police stop in Chicago, Illinois, resulted in a police officer and 16-year-old Marcus Gracey sustaining gunshot wounds from an unintentional discharge of a gun in Gracey’s possession. Officers noticed a gun in Gracey’s waistband while he was walking along a …
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
Man Sitting in Living Room Killed by Stray Bullet A stray bullet from gunfire outside a Chicago, Illinois home, fatally struck a 59-year-old man in the torso as he sat in his living room. Little information has been reported, and so far no one has been charged in this ongoing investigation. Source: Jo Marquez, “Chicago Man …
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024
Woman Injured in Shootout Following Car Crash A 19-year-old woman was struck by stray bullets during a shootout following a car crash involving a white van and a gray car in Chicago, Illinois. Three men in the van got out and started shooting at the car. The two vehicles also crashed into an Uber driver …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024
Unintentional Shootings Wound Two People In Chicago, Illinois, a 12-year-old boy was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being unintentionally shot by an 18-year-old relative. The boy had multiple gunshot wounds, including to his chest, and was later upgraded to stable condition. According to police, the 18-year-old was “playing with a gun that …
Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Missouri No Charges Filed
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2024
Two Children are Victims of Unintended Shootings; One Shot Himself in the Head An eight-year-old boy in Peoria, Illinois was rushed to the hospital after shooting himself in the head. His injuries are considered life-threatening. The boy’s father, Micah D. Stitts, left a gun unattended when several children were home and was charged with a …
Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Illinois Indiana Kentucky Ongoing Investigation Texas
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
One Dead, Four Injured in Unintentional Shootings Police originally thought the shooting death of a man in Fort Worth, Texas was a homicide, but evidence determined that he accidentally shot himself. No other information has been reported. In Owensboro, Kentucky, police are investigating the shooting of a 17-year-old boy. The boy’s injuries are not life-threatening, from what officers believe …
Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Maryland Ongoing Investigation
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024
Boy Shoots Self with Gun Found in Drawer, and Two Other Children are Shot as Innocent Bystanders In Atlanta, Georgia, a 9-year-old shot himself in the hand playing with an unsecured gun he found in a drawer. Police interviewed the child’s grandmother, who was at home when the shooting occurred, and during their search of …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Pennsylvania
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024
Toddler and Teen Killed in Unintentional Shootings In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 3-year-old Kayden Barnes died after shooting herself in the eye with a gun that her father had left out after cleaning it. Both of her parents were at home when the shooting occurred. Police recovered the gun and a male was questioned and released. No …
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024
Delivery Driver Injured by Stray Bullet In Chicago, Illinois, a bullet came through the windshield of a DHL delivery truck striking the 50-year-old driver. He was sitting in the back of his truck when he was hit and was taken to the hospital in good condition. Police continue to investigate, and, so far, no one …
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024
Three Injured in Accidental Shootings In Cahokia Heights, Illinois, after crashing his car in a police pursuit, a man pulled out a gun while trying to flee and accidentally shot himself. State police will investigate the incident. A person was accidentally shot in the neck in an apartment in Seattle, Washington. Police found multiple people …
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024
Two Boys Hurt in Self-Inflicted, Unintentional Shootings A 7-year-old boy is recovering from a gunshot wound in stable condition in Indianapolis, Indiana. Police are investigating, but believe that the boy unintentionally shot himself. And in Chicago, Illinois, an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the foot. He was taken to the hospital in good condition. …
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
Toddler is Killed and Man is Seriously Injured in Gun Accidents Two-year-old Jamal Robindson was accidentally shot in the face inside a home In Chicago, Illinois. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. A 32-year-old female relative found the child after hearing the gunshot. Police retrieved a gun at the scene, and no …
FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024
One Dead, Three Injured in Unintentional Shootings Today In Atlanta, Georgia, a passenger in the rear seat of a vehicle accidentally discharged a gun fatally striking a 19-year-old in the back. The victim was in the vehicle with two other people and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The person handling the gun was charged …
THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024
Boy Injured by Stray Bullet; Man Injured After Unintentionally Shooting Himself An 11-year-old boy was inside a residence in Chicago, Illinois, when he was struck in the leg by a stray bullet. The bullet came from a shooting on the next block that critically wounded a 24-year-old man. The boy was taken to the hospital …
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023
Men Hurt in Three Gun Accidents In Chicago, Illinois, a 60-year-old off-duty Electronic Monitoring Unit investigator, unintentionally shot himself in the thigh and was taken to the hospital in good condition. Police are investigating. A man was taken to the hospital after being shot at an apartment complex in Mobile, Alabama. According to police it …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Georgia Illinois Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023
One Dead, Four Wounded in Accidental Shootings A 5-year-old boy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, shot himself in the hand while playing with a gun. Police said one parent was home during the incident, but did not say who owned the gun. There is an ongoing investigation, and so far no charges have been filed. Ari T. …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation South Dakota Texas
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023
Three People Unintentionally Shot A 17-year-old girl was treated and released at the hospital after being shot in the foot by a 16-year-old boy in Watertown, South Dakota. The two were in an apartment where people were drinking alcohol, and when the group started handling a loaded pistol, the 16-year-old unintentionally shot the girl. He …
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023
Two Young Children Injured in Unintentional Shootings; One Found Gun in Toy Box In Velda City, Missouri, a 5-year-old child found a loaded gun in his toy box and shot himself in the hand. The 5-year-old is recovering, and none of the other children present were injured. Walter Gary, a 37-year-old corrections officer, admitted to …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Connecticut Illinois Ohio Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023
Three People Unintentionally Shoot Themselves, Including 2-year-old Girl A 2-year-old girl found her father’s unsecured gun in a kitchen drawer and shot herself in the hand in Chicago, Illinois. She was taken to the hospital in good condition. Police charged her father, Demetrius Williams, 29, with child endangerment. Williams had a valid COID card and …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Mississippi No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Virginia
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2023
Accidental Shootings Leave One Man Dead and Four Others Wounded, Including Two Children Aric Riggins, 39, was in his car in Macon, Georgia, when he unintentionally shot and killed himself. The round struck his femoral artery. Investigators believe Riggins had a gun in his hoodie and it fired when he tried to retrieve it. A …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Georgia Illinois Michigan Tennessee
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2023
Five Unintentional Shootings Leave Six People Injured In Brunswick, Georgia, a 2-year-old found an unsecured gun and shot an 11-month old baby in the lower abdomen. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. A handgun was recovered at the scene, and Cedrick Herrington, 31, has been charged with reckless conduct and cruelty to …
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
Ten-year-old Boy is Unintentionally Shot and Killed Ten-year-old Aidyn Hansen was unintentionally shot and killed in South Beloit, Illinois. A 30-year-old man has been charged with child endangerment as detectives continue to investigate. The specific circumstances of the incident have not been reported. Aidyn’s fourth grade teacher said everyone wanted to be his partner in …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa New Jersey New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2023
Six Gun Accidents Today A 3-year-old Trenton, New Jersey boy is in stable condition after shooting himself in the head with a gun brought into the home by 30-year-old Chante Odom. Two other children and an adult male were at home during the incident. Odom has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Indiana New Mexico Ohio Ongoing Investigation Tennessee Virginia
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2023
Six Unintended Shootings of Children: Two Dead, Four Wounded Children playing with a gun resulted in an unintentional shooting that killed a 10-year-old girl in Roswell, New Mexico. Few details are reported other than that the incident is still under investigation. In Indianapolis, Indiana, 11-year-old Jordan Robertson was accidentally shot and killed in a home …
Adult Death Adult Injury Arizona Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation West Virginia
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023
IRS Agent Unintentionally Shot and Killed by Fellow Agent; and in Other Gun Accidents Today, Two Children and One Adult are Injured IRS Special Agent Patrick Bauer, 47, was accidentally shot and killed by another agent during a training exercise in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident happened at a federal gun range that was being utilized …
Adult Arrested Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Minnesota Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023
More Unintended Gun Deaths and Injuries to Children Jacari Brown of Chicago, Illinois, age eight, was visiting a neighbor when he and another boy found a gun. The gun went off, struck Jacari in the chest, and he was killed. No other injuries were reported and there is an ongoing investigation. In Kennett, Missouri, a …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois New Mexico Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2023
Five-year-old Killed in Drive-by Shooting, and Six-year-old Shoots Own Hand with Unsecured Gun During a drive-by shooting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, someone shot into a residence fatally striking five-year-old Galilea Samaniego who was spending the night. She did not live at the home and police say she was not the intended target. Police recovered two …
Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Maryland Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Uncategorized
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023
Boy Unintentionally Shot with a Ghost Gun and Three Other Children Wounded by Stray Bullets In Gurnee, Illinois, a 15-year-old boy is in the hospital in critical condition after being accidentally shot in the abdomen. He was in the basement with two 16-year-old friends, when one produced and discharged a semi-automatic ghost gun, unintentionally striking …
Adult Injury Arkansas Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023
An Accidental Shooting Kills One Boy and Injures Another, and Man is Caught in Crossfire While Bicycling An accidental shooting in Lutherville, Arkansas, killed a 9-year-old boy and wounded a 7-year-old. Both boys were taken to the hospital; the 9-year-old succumbed to his injuries, and the 7-year-old was treated and released. Several county and state …
Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Indiana Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia
MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023
Five Unintentional Shootings: Three Involving Teens, Two Involving Security Personnel; One Dead, Four Injured Yoel Lopez, 21, was unintentionally shot and killed by 18-year-old Josue Cruz in Nashville, Tennessee. Lopez was in a parked car with his cousin and Cruz, when an AR-style pistol that Cruz was playing with, went off, striking Lopez. Cruz fled …
Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Pennsylvania
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023
Girl Mistakes Real Gun for BB Gun, and Husband Shoots Wife in Gun Cleaning Accident Daejion Grant, 16, was unintentionally shot and killed by a 14-year-old girl in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The girl thought she was holding a BB gun, but it was instead a real handgun. She has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and is …
Adult Injury Connecticut Illinois New Mexico No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas Washington
SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
Two Innocent Bystanders Struck by Stray Bullets and Three Others Hurt in Self-Inflicted, Unintentional Shootings An altercation in a church parking lot in Puyallup, Washington, led to a woman being shot in a yard across the street. People had left their cars in the lot as they attended an event at the state fairgrounds a …
Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Mississippi Ongoing Investigation Virginia
SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 2023
One Dead, Two Injured, in Accidental Shootings A 3-year-old Columbus, Mississippi boy accidentally shot himself in the leg today. According to the report, a 14-year-old, who was visiting relatives, found the loaded gun in a bedroom and left it around where the younger child could find it. There is an ongoing investigation. A Salem, Illinois …
FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023
Two Young Girls are Shot and Wounded with Unsecured Guns In Vernon Hills, Illinois, a loaded semi-automatic pistol that was left on a bed accidentally discharged striking a 2-year-old in her arm. She was airlifted to the hospital for specialized care for her serious, not life-threatening injury. It’s not clear how the gun fired, but …
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2023
Four-year-old is Shot and Killed with Father’s Unsecured Gun In River Grove, Illinois, 4-year-old Camila Arianaduart was accidentally shot and killed in her home with her father’s loaded gun. Another child living in the house pulled the trigger. According to the police statement, “[t]he father, who holds valid FOID [Firearm Owner’s Identification] and concealed carry …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Illinois Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2023
A Two-year-old is Killed and Two Others are Hurt in Unintended Shootings In St. Petersburg, Florida, 22-year-old Aaron Creary accidentally shot and killed his son. Armani, one of his twin 2-year-olds. Creary was trying to break up an argument between his parents when the gun went off, striking the child. He has been charged with …
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2023
Third-Grader Shot and Killed in Illinois In Matteson, Illinois, 9-year-old O’Mauri Jones-Brown was unintentionally shot and killed when he got caught in a shooting between two groups of young people. O’Mauri was taken to a local emergency room where he died from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police, along with the medical examiner’s …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Kansas North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Utah
MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023
Four People Injured in Gun Accidents In Vale, North Carolina, 7-year-old Mai Yang’s 11-year-old brother, accidentally shot her in the face with a rifle. Mai was airlifted to the hospital and is in serious but stable condition. The children’s father, Thay Yang, explained, “[h]e didn’t realized the gun was loaded. He thought it was on …
Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
Church Member Wounded after Sunday Service and Teen Hurt Mishandling a Gun After Sunday services in South Holland, Illinois, an innocent bystander was struck by gunfire that erupted in the church’s parking lot. The victim, a long-time church member, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. According to the pastor of the church, multiple …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Connecticut Illinois Louisiana Ongoing Investigation Tennessee Virginia
SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2023
Nine-year-old Girl Killed by Unsecured Gun and Eight Others Wounded in Unintentional Shootings In Memphis, Tennessee, a 7-year-old boy found a gun in a car’s glove box and accidentally shot his 9-year-old sister, killing her. The gun belonged to James Bowen Jr., his mother’s boyfriend. Bowen is facing multiple charges after allegedly leaving his gun …
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023
Man Charged After Lying About Accidental Shooting In Rockford, Illinois, Corey Jackson, 18, walked into the local hospital with a gunshot wound to his ankle. He initially told police that he was walking near a convenience store when someone shot him. Upon further investigation, police believe that Jackson unintentionally shot himself. They discovered weapons and …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois Louisiana Michigan No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Texas
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023
Ten Unintentional Shootings Result in Eight Injuries and the Deaths of Two Children A Ville Platte, Louisiana 3-year-old girl shot herself with an unsecured gun. She was airlifted to Baton Rouge because of the extent of her injuries, where she later died. Nineteen-year-old Nathan Ben was charged with criminal negligence and negligent homicide. Ben was …
Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Virginia Wisconsin
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023
Three People Killed in Gun Accidents Kentrell Pouncey of Calumet City, Illinois, age five, was shot and killed after one of his siblings found a loaded gun somewhere outside and brought it home. Pouncey was at home with his three siblings, all under 15, and his mother at the time of the shooting. Which of …
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023
Teenager Lies to Police After Accidental Shooting Himself In Rock Island, Illinois, a 14-year-old who had suffered a gunshot wound told police that he and a friend had been walking through an alley when someone shot him in the leg. Police learned later that the boy had accidentally shot himself while mishandling a gun inside …
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2023
Two People Hurt by Single Shot Accidentally Fired at a Bar In Seneca, Illinois, two people were hurt by a single round accidentally fired at “3rd Bar.” Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident. Neither person suffered life threatening injuries. Source: “Man, Woman Injured by Accidental Gunshot in Seneca, Police Say,” Shaw Local News …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023
Three People Injured When Guns Accidentally Go Off in Public Places An 18-year-old Anniston, Alabama High School student was injured by shrapnel when another student accidentally fired a gun inside the high school. The student was reportedly manipulating the gun in a backpack when it went off. The round struck the floor and the 18-year-old …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Louisiana Mississippi New Jersey North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023
This page is intentionally left blank to remember the dead and injured in the mass shooting in Monterey Bay, California on January 21 and in nine other mass shootings since then. Monterey Bay, California Shreveport, Louisiana Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tunica Resorts, Mississippi Half Moon Bay, California Chicago, Illinois Oakland, California Red Springs, North Carolina Lancaster, …
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023
Gun Goes Off in a Man’s Pocket and His 12-year-old Son Is Shot In an incident caught on surveillance video at a Chicago, Illinois gas station, a man is shown putting his hand into his pocket and accidentally firing a gun he was carrying there. His son, age 12, was shot, but is expected to …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois No Charges Filed North Carolina Ohio Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2023 – Unintentional Shootings Involving Two Children and Two Adults
In Goldsboro, North Carolina, a seven-year-old child was shot by an eight-year-old relative, but is expected to recover. There has been no report about how the children got the gun. Michael Howard-Owens of Chicago, Illinois, was in bed with his girlfriend and her three-year old son, when his gun, which was in his waistband, accidentally …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Arizona California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Michigan No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023
January 1, 2023 does not bode well for gun safety in the New Year because there were too many gun accidents to meaningfully consider, including many that appear to have resulted from celebratory gunfire. Among the reported incidents: In Van Buren County, Michigan, 62-year-old Christopher Toppenberg was charged with murder Wednesday in connection with the …
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022
In Chicago, Illinois, a ten-year-old girl found a gun in her home and accidentally shot herself in the hand. She is in good condition at the hospital and no arrests have been made. In West Valley City, Utah, a man shot himself in the leg while cleaning his gun. He is in stable condition at …
Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
In Chicago, Illinois, a 50-year-old man sitting in his car in a local park was struck by a stray bullet and killed. He was an innocent bystander to a nearby disturbance according to the report. No one is in custody in connection with the shooting. In LaGrange, Georgia, a 15-year-old girl was struck in the …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Tennessee
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022
A Memphis, Tennessee school was placed on lockdown after a 15-year-old accidentally discharged a weapon that he had brought to school. According to the report, another student went to the school nurse with a gunshot wound to his leg. The 15-year-old was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. Apparently, the incident did not result in …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Louisiana Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2022
In Rockford, Illinois, a six-year-old child found an unattended loaded gun and fired it, striking a 28-year-old woman. The woman was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. Khadijah Morris, 28, and Ashley Laures, 29, were charged with endangering the life and health of a child. Recently, on November 20, another Rockford six-year-old …
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2022
William Harston, a Hendersonville, Kentucky man is dead after he accidentally shot himself in the chest outside a local pawn shop. According to the report, he was loading a gun in his truck when it went off. Also today, a Chicago, Illinois man shot a three-year-old boy in the shin while attempting to holster a …
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022
On Thanksgiving Day, a two-year-old and a 19-year-old were unintentionally shot and injured. A Peoria, Illinois two-year-old has serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The news report of the incident implies that he found a loaded gun in his home on Thanksgiving evening and used it to shoot himself. Jordan Parker, a 24-year-old, was arrested and charged …
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022
In Belleville, Illinois, a 19-year-old man apparently accidentally shot an 11-yearold relative. The boy was flown to St. Louis in critical condition. The 19-yearoold, Bobby Joe Greathouse was arrested and charged with “reckless conduct causing great bodily harm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and obstructing justice.” Other details of the incident were not released. …
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022
Seven-year-old Akeem Briscoe of Chicago, Illinois was killed by a stray bullet today when a gang fight erupted in the alley outside his home. Akeem, a second grader, is the 12th child, age 13 or younger, to be killed in Chicago this year, and his death comes just days after an 8-year-old Chicago boy was …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022
Eight-year-olds in Texas and Illinois were unintentionally shot and killed by young family members who were handling guns today. In Houston, Texas, an eight-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by his 10-year-old sister who was handling a loaded shotgun. The family is believed to have recently moved to the Houston area from Venezuela. A …
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2022
Derrick Curtis, an alderman in Southwest Chicago, Illinois, shot himself in the wrist today while cleaning a gun. He is in good condition at the hospital. And in Salem Township, Minnesota, an unidentified 70-year-old man shot himself in the leg, also while cleaning a gun. According to the report, a police deputy applied a tourniquet, …
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2022
In Roanoke, Virginia, a “juvenile” was killed in a gun accident along a local street. Although circumstances of the accident have not been released, those involved are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. An Arkansas City, Kansas man shot himself in the leg while attempting to clean his 9 millimeter pistol. Such accidents often occur because …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Louisiana Ongoing Investigation South Carolina
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2022
Lindell Mays of New Orleans, Louisiana was arrested today after a four-year old boy was shot in the parking lot of a local store. Mays was charged by New Orleans police with mishandling a firearm “with respect to minors.” It is unclear if the boy got ahold of the gun in a car when he …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Ongoing Investigation Texas
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
A two-year old Joliet, Illinois child found a loaded gun in a bedroom at his home and shot himself in the head. He is in critical condition at the hospital. The boy’s mother was home at the time of the incident and is cooperating with police. In Grape Creek, Texas, police arrested Mathew South, 32, …
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2022
A 13-year-old boy was shot after he and at least three other people tried to break into a parked car in Chicago Illinois. The car’s owner, a woman with a concealed carry license, confronted the boys and shot the 13-year old boy in the neck. He is in fair condition at the hospital. Source: “16-year-old …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Illinois Indiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Virginia
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022
A Kouts, Indiana two-year old died today after finding a loaded gun at home and shooting himself. The boy, Wyatt Luczak, died at the hospital. After a month-long investigation, no charges were filed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” the prosecutor said. In Baldwin, County, Alabama, a four-year old faces surgery after he …
Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
MONDAY, JULY 11, 2022
At least five children were shot and injured today in various circumstances, continuing to illustrate just how dangerous guns are around American children. Also today, four teenagers were killed in apparently intended gun violence incidents. Without taking away from the horrific nature of intended gun violence across the United States, the focus here remains on …
MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022
At least nine people appear to have been struck by random rounds that were fired in celebration of the Fourth of July. The consequences of celebratory gunfire continue to be felt most keenly by people other than those whose idea of a celebration is to use their guns in an unsafe way. In Chicago, Illinois, …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Missouri No Charges Filed
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022
In St. Louis, Missouri, a 4-year old found a loaded gun and died after accidentally shooting himself today. Minimal details were reported and there is no word about charges. In Dekalb, Illinois, three men were arrested after they failed to take proper safety precautions while engaging in target practice. One of their rounds passed into …
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022
A six-year old boy in Forest Park, Illinois found his uncle’s loaded gun in a bag in a closet at his home and accidentally shot off his finger. The boy’s grandmother and uncle took him to the hospital and his uncle later returned home to retrieve the finger, according to the report. Emergency staff at …
FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022
In Chicago, Illinois, Cecilia Thomas, a six-month old girl was shot and killed in her car seat when someone opened fire on her father’s car. According to the report, the shooter is believed to be a woman. Police are investigating. Source: “6-month-old Baby Girl Shot in the Head and Killed,” Chicago Journal (June 24, 2022).
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2022
After some boys in Rockford, Illinois broke into an abandoned house, a “gun accidentally went off” and a 15-year old was shot in the foot. How the boys got the gun and the circumstances of the accident are not reported. Authorities did not say whether anyone will be charged. Source: John Clark, “Rockford Boy Shot …
THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022
A pair of three-year olds were injured as the unintended consequence of gun violence today. Both were shot when rounds were firing into cars in which they were traveling. In Chicago, Illinois, the toddler was shot in the leg and is in good condition. There are no suspects. In Goldsboro, North Carolina, Tyrik Joyner, age …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Kentucky Louisiana Ohio Ongoing Investigation
SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022
Trent Byerly, a Des Allemands, Louisiana 19-year old, was handling a gun inside a car when it accidentally fired. The round struck him in the chest and killed him. Two of his co-passengers were arrested for obstruction of justice. An eight-year old Chicago, Illinois girl was accidentally shot by a 12-year old neighbor in her …
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022
A 14-year old Decatur, Illinois boy was accidentally shot in the neck while at home with a 15-year old and an 8-year old. Several adults were also present. The boy’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Despite identifying the incident as accidental and having a variety of likely witnesses, police have not yet described …
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2022
In Chicago, Illinois, a seven-year old took a gun to school in a backpack and it “accidentally discharged while in a classroom.” The gun was reportedly still in the backpack when it discharged. Another child suffered a graze wound to the stomach. The child’s mother, Tatanina Kelly, was arrested and charged with three misdemeanor counts …
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022
Two women were shot today as innocent bystanders in gun violence incidents initiated by men or boys. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a pair of teenage boys, one 17 and the other 13, got into a spat over insults on social media. When they later engaged in public gunplay, a woman was struck and injured. She has …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022
Two gun accidents were reported exclusively on Twitter today, making one wonder, once again, how many gun accident injuries are never made public at all. A tweeter apparently monitoring a police scanner reported that a Chicago, Illinois “security officer” apparently accidentally discharged his gun and shot himself in the leg. And, in Laurel, Maryland, a …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Maryland No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2022
The unintended consequences of gun violence were felt across the country on Sunday, including incidents on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, three incidents in Chicago and single incidents in Georgia and Maryland. In New Orleans, Louisiana, Charles Hudson, a bar employee, was shot and killed in the Cat’s Meow, a crowded Bourbon Street karaoke bar, …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022
A Ripley, Tennessee three-year old found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself in the head. He was found dead at the scene. No arrests have been made, but there is an ongoing investigation. Also today, the father of a Dolton, Illinois three-year old who accidentally shot and killed his mother was arrested …
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022
A 12-year old Chicago, Illinois girl was in a car with her family returning home from her birthday dinner when she was struck in the head by a bullet fired on the street. According to police, the shooters were firing at a different car. The girl was taken to the hospital in critical condition. And …
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022
In Columbus, Georgia, a three-year old was shot and killed under circumstances that have not been described, but which authorities say are likely to be ruled accidental. No follow-up news stories appeared in the first five days following the incident. In Chicago, Illinois, a security guard who had been shot in the leg in a …
SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2022
An eight-year old girl was shot in the head and killed on the street in Chicago, Illinois today. Police are clear that neither she nor her caregiver were the intended targets of gun violence, but rather that they were innocent bystanders. A pool of blood could was visible at the scene of the crime and …
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021
A customer of the Shoot Point Blank gun range in Shorewood, Illinois was injured today when his gun malfunctioned. Several police officers and an ambulance responded. The injured man was then taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The report of the accident says that it was at least the third gun accident this …
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021
Police reported accidental shootings today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois, two American cities already notably suffering from the ongoing pandemic of gun violence. In Milwaukee, a 69-year old woman was struck by a random round fired outside her home. Her suffered serious injuries, but is in stable condition at the hospital according to a …