Toddler, shot by 6 year old, in stable condition
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The investigation into a shooting that left a three year old boy injured at a home on Lark Drive in Albany continued Wednesday. The toddler is in stable condition and police are looking into the circumstances that lead to the shooting and whether any adults will face charges.
According to police, a six year old was handling a handgun that he found inside a home, at the capital woods apartments in Arbor Hill, when the gun went off. His three year old brother was shot in the shoulder. a person who visits the complex frequently sympathizes with the family.
“It hurt my soul, it hurt my soul. I don’t ever wanna see a little kid go through nothing like that,” said Quintez Phelps. He said he understands why people carry guns but urges people to be responsible. “Keep it separate and keep it put up. I understand people have to have guns to protect their families, but just keep it separate from the babies, that’s all I say. And pray for the young man.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, gun-related injuries have been the leading cause of death for children since 2020.
Albany Police Detective Megan Craft urges parents to talk to children about guns and what to do if they come across them.
“They are dangerous and they can take somebody’s life. If you do find a gun, or come across a gun, you should tell somebody. Stay away from it. Let somebody know that there is a gun in that area,” said Craft.
She shared gun safety tips that everyone should remember, especially parents.
“Keep the gun, stored safe in a locked cabinet that children can’t have access to. Also keeping the ammunition stored separately from the guns, also locked in the safe,” said Craft. “Educating about gun safety, and the danger of guns, especially educating children.”
New York State law requires guns be safely secured and inaccessible to those who are not permitted to possess them.
Again, that three year old who was shot is in stable condition. So far no charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing.