**Lynnwood, Washington – A heart-wrenching incident unfolded early Tuesday morning in the South County community, leaving residents shaken after a 4-year-old child accessed an unsecured firearm and accidentally shot his mother inside their Lynnwood home.
At approximately 8:01 a.m. on July 15, 2025, deputies from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an assault with a weapon in the 3100 block of 164th Street SW. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered a 42-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper left arm. Emergency medical personnel promptly transported her to Harborview Medical Center, where she is receiving treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation revealed that the woman’s 4-year-old son had accessed a loaded handgun inside the residence, leading to the accidental discharge. The child sustained minor injuries during the incident, though specific details about the nature of those injuries have not been disclosed.
Deputies determined that the firearm was obtained from the child’s father, a 44-year-old man who was asleep on the couch at the time of the shooting. Authorities noted multiple unsecured firearms throughout the home, raising significant concerns about firearm safety and adherence to legal storage requirements.
The father was taken into custody and booked into the Snohomish County Jail on charges of reckless endangerment and unlawful storage of a firearm. The couple’s two children, aged 4 and 9, have been placed in the care of family members, and Child Protective Services has been notified to conduct a welfare assessment.
**Community Impact and Renewed Calls for Firearm Safety
This tragic event has sparked renewed discussions about firearm safety, responsible gun ownership, and the importance of child access prevention laws in Washington State. Authorities and community leaders are emphasizing the critical need for proper firearm storage to prevent such devastating incidents, particularly in households with young children.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of the consequences of failing to secure firearms,” said a spokesperson for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. “We are thankful the injuries were not more severe, but this incident could have easily ended in an even greater tragedy.”
**A Call to Action
Local law enforcement and child safety advocates are urging gun owners to store firearms in locked safes or with trigger locks, especially in homes with minors. In Washington State, laws mandate secure storage to prevent unauthorized access, and failure to comply can result in criminal charges if a minor gains access to a firearm and causes harm.
Free gun locks and educational resources are available through the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and local public health organizations. Authorities encourage residents to utilize these resources to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies.
**Ongoing Investigation
The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident. No additional details about the family or the specific firearm involved have been released at this time. Prosecutors will review the case to determine if further charges are warranted as the investigation progresses.
The Sheriff’s Office will provide updates as new information becomes available, and the community is encouraged to prioritize firearm safety to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
