Apr 7, 2008 7:59 pm US/Pacific
Child Killed By Father's Service Weapon
YUBA CITY (CBS13) ―
It appears to be a tragic accident, but a Yuba City Sheriff's Sergeant may face charges after his three-year old son reportedly found his gun and shot himself with it. Paramedics responded quickly to the scene, but the boy was found dead.
"We believe, at this point in the investigation, that [the gun] was the officer's service weapon," said Shawna Pavey of the Yuba City Police Department. "The mood at the department is very, very sad. Our hearts and our prayers go out to the family."
Authorities received a 911 call from the home of veteran police officer David Whiteaker late Sunday night, finding the boy dead inside the home. The Yuba City police declined to give out details of the incident, saying that they are still investigating.
The District Attorney's office is expecting an update on the incident on Wednesday, and will then determine whether to file charges against Whiteaker. Gun owners are often held responsible for accidents relating to unsecured weapons in the home.
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