4-year-old accidentally shoots herself in Philadelphia's East Mount Airy section: police
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 4-year-old was injured on Thursday after she accidentally shot herself inside an East Mount Airy home, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
With the preliminary information investigators have so far, Small said police believe the 4-year-old somehow got a hold of the gun.
"We believe at this time that this was an accidental shooting," Small said. "She may possibly had been handling the weapon when it discharged and she accidentally shot herself in her abdomen."
The incident happened on the 2400 block of 79th Avenue just before 7:15 p.m., Small said.
The girl was inside a second-story bedroom when her family heard a gunshot, Small said. Once her family members realized she was shot in the abdomen, they rushed the 4-year-old to Einstein Hospital, where she was placed in stable condition.
Small said the bullet went through the 4-year-old's body and didn't strike any organs. She's expected to make a full recovery.
Small said it's unclear how the 4-year-old got a hold of the semi-automatic handgun, but police believe it belongs to someone at the home. The 4-year-old doesn't live at the residence, she was there visiting family, Small said.
Investigators found a projectile of the bullet inside the home where it struck the wall, Small said.
The three family members who were inside the home are all cooperating with police, Small said.
Small said residents in the city who need a gun lock to safely put away their firearm can contract police or reach out to the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office.