Cops: Ala. boy, 11, fatally shot as dad cleaned gun

GAYLESVILLE, Ala. - Police say an 11-year-old boy died after a handgun went off while the child's father was cleaning it.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver says police were called to the home in Gaylesville, Ala. -- about 100 miles northeast of Birmingham -- around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Shaver says County Coroner Jeremy Deaton pronounced the child dead at the scene.

Authorities say the man was apparently cleaning the gun when it fired. They say the bullet hit him in the hand before striking the 11-year-old who was sitting on the couch. The child's mother also was hit, in her elbow.

Both parents were taken for medical treatment. Police have not released names of anyone involved.