A 2-year-old boy tragically lost his life in San Bernardino County Thursday afternoon due to a fatal gunshot wound.
Officers responded to the 6900 block of Victoria Avenue in the city of Highland around 5:27 p.m. to find the injured toddler, who sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital.
He was pronounced dead at Loma Linda University Medical Center that night.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Floria Orejel told The California Post that a death invesitgation was under way.
“Further details will be provided when they become available,” Orejel added.
A photojournalist at the scene reported that the boy found the gun inside a couch before bringing it outside and accidentally shooting himself.
Video from the scene showed yellow tape around a residence, several police vehicles, and a large group of first responders.
It’s unclear where the toddler’s parents were or if there were any arrests. Orejel said new information would be released on Friday.
Highland is a city a few miles east of San Bernardino with a population of about 57,000 people.
A study conducted with data spanning from 2003 to 2021 found firearm use was a leading cause of death among children and teens aged 0 to 17. A common circumstance involved the child or teen playing with the firearm or showing it off. The firearms involved were usually stored loaded and in an unlocked area.
