PHOENIX — A Phoenix father has been arrested after his toddler accidentally shot themselves with a firearm that was left accessible inside their home, police said Thursday.
Oscar Guerra, 27, was taken into custody and booked on one felony count of child abuse following the incident, which occurred late Wednesday night in west Phoenix.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to a residence near 84th and Campbell avenues, between Camelback and Indian School roads, around 10:40 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered the young child suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The toddler was rushed to a hospital for treatment. Authorities say the injuries are not considered life-threatening, though the child’s exact age has not been released.
Police confirmed that the shooting occurred after the child found a gun inside the home and accidentally discharged it.
“This investigation has revealed that the toddler found the gun within the home and accidentally shot themselves,” said Sgt. Rob Scherer in a Thursday media advisory.
Guerra was arrested after officers determined he had left the firearm in an unsecured location, allowing the child to access it.
The Arizona Department of Child Safety is also investigating the incident. No additional details have been released as the case remains under active investigation.
Authorities are once again stressing the importance of safe firearm storage, especially in households with children. Gun safety experts recommend using lockboxes, trigger locks, and storing ammunition separately to prevent similar tragedies.
This incident adds to a growing number of accidental shootings involving children across the country, prompting continued calls from law enforcement and child safety advocates for stricter adherence to safe storage practices.
