San Bernardino County: 4-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Himself After Finding Unsecured Firearm
San Bernardino County: 4-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Himself After Finding Unsecured Firearm
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — June 21, 2025 — A heartbreaking and sobering incident unfolded earlier this week in San Bernardino County when a four-year-old child accidentally shot himself after accessing an unsecured firearm in his home. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the details in a public statement released Friday.
Deputies responded to the emergency at approximately 7:19 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, after receiving reports of a shooting involving a young child. When first responders arrived at the residence, they discovered that the child had suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach.
The child was quickly transported to a nearby hospital by medical personnel. Authorities say he underwent emergency treatment and is expected to recover, though the emotional and psychological toll on the child and family may linger for years.
How It Happened
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the preliminary investigation revealed that the four-year-old found an unsecured firearm inside his parents’ bedroom. The gun, which was reportedly left loaded and without proper safety storage, was fired accidentally by the child, striking him in the abdomen.
Deputies and crime scene investigators secured the weapon and gathered evidence at the scene. A report was filed with San Bernardino County Child and Family Services, which has opened its own inquiry into the matter to assess the safety and welfare of the child and any other minors who may live in the home.
Firearms Removed from Residence
As a precautionary measure, all firearms were removed from the residence by law enforcement and will remain in safekeeping while the investigation and any related proceedings continue. Authorities have not yet announced whether the parents will face criminal charges, but the case remains open.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department emphasized that while the child’s recovery is a relief, the incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of firearm safety in homes, especially where children are present.
“This was a completely preventable tragedy,” the spokesperson said. “We’re grateful that the child is expected to survive, but it could have easily ended in a fatality. Gun owners must take every measure to secure their weapons out of the reach of children.
A Widespread Concern
Accidental shootings involving children are tragically common across the United States. Data from the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety shows that hundreds of children gain access to firearms each year, often with fatal consequences. Experts stress that safe storage practices—such as using locked gun safes, trigger locks, and storing ammunition separately—are essential to preventing these tragedies.
In California, state law requires gun owners to store firearms in a locked container or with a locking device when children are likely to be present. Violations can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, particularly when injury occurs.
Child Welfare Investigation Underway
Child and Family Services is now involved in conducting a welfare check and risk assessment for the child and the household. Depending on the outcome of their investigation, the family may be required to complete a parenting or firearm safety course, or face further legal action.
At this time, the names of the child and family members have not been released in order to protect the child’s privacy.
Community Call to Action
Local officials and child safety advocates are using this incident as a rallying cry to increase public awareness around gun safety and to encourage parents to review their own homes for risks.
“This child’s life was nearly lost because of one moment of negligence,” said a representative from a local family advocacy group. “We ask every gun owner to treat firearm safety with the seriousness it demands.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department encourages all residents to seek out firearm safety training and to utilize free or low-cost gun locks, many of which are available through law enforcement outreach programs.
This near-tragedy has left a community shaken—but also motivated to act. As the young child continues his recovery, the hope is that his story will spark necessary conversations and prevent another child from experiencing the same fate.
