SWAT officer's gun fired by boy in No. Calif., police investigate

(CBS) LODI, Calif. - A SWAT officer's gun that was being displayed at a literacy fair in Northern California accidentally discharged when a child walked up behind the officer and pulled the trigger, CBS Sacramento reported.

"This should have never happened, especially in an environment where children were present," Lodi Police Chief Mark Helms said.

According to CBS Sacramento, on Aug. 24, SWAT Officer Robert Rench was displaying tactical equipment to children at the Lodi Public Library when a boy - perhaps 6 to 8 years old - walked up behind Rench and pulled the trigger of his holstered handgun, say officials.

The bullet that discharged grazed the side of the officer's leg.

The boy then fled. His identity is unknown.

Chief Helms says the department is focusing on learning more about the incident and how to prevent something similar from happening again.

"As peace officers, we have a responsibility to the public to ensure our weapons and equipment are properly safeguarded," he said.

Police want to speak with the boy to better understand how the incident occurred.

"We're fortunate this event didn't result in a tragedy," said Helms.

No other injuries were reported.