Dad Charged After Toddler Picks Up Unsecured Gun, Accidentally Shoots Mom
DERRY, Pa. (AP/KDKA) -- A woman was accidentally shot and wounded when she tried to take a loaded gun from her toddler son at the family's home in Westmoreland County.
Authorities disclosed details of the shooting when they announced Monday that the woman's husband would face charges of reckless endangerment and child endangerment.
The shooting happened at a home on James Street in Derry Township in the morning hours of Nov. 1.
"When the mother walked out of the bathroom, the 2-year-old was standing there with the handgun. She reached down to grab it and at that point in time, the gun discharged into her leg," Steve Limani with the Pennsylvania state police said.
Authorities say the 25-year-old father left the weapon loaded and unsecured, and it was picked up by the couple's 2-year-old. The boy's 24-year-old mother tried to get the gun from him, but it discharged a bullet that went into her thigh.
"Through our investigation, we were able to determine the firearm was left unattended and loaded without a safety, on the nightstand next to the bed," Limani said.
"The last thing you can do it leave it loaded, out on a nightstand," Limani added.
The woman has since recovered from her wound.
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