AKRON, Ohio — An 8-year-old boy was hurt in a shooting Thursday night in Akron where police say the preliminary investigation shows he was “shot unintentionally by another child who was handling the unsecured firearm when it discharged.”
Police say it was just before 8 p.m. when officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of Leonard Street.
“While on the way to the call, officers were informed that the victim, an 8-year-old boy, was shot inside a home in the 1100 block of Hardesty Blvd. and was transported to Leonard Street residence by his mother,” according to details released Friday morning by police.
Upon their arrival, police found the child conscious and breathing with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body.
Officers provided first aid until EMS arrived. He was then taken to Akron Children’s Hospital in stable condition.
Police say his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
“Additionally, it was determined that the child’s father legally owned the handgun but otherwise left it unsecured and within reach of the children,” according to Akron police.
The incident remains under investigation.