ST. LOUIS — A 9-year-old boy was injured inside a St. Louis home Thursday in what police say was an accidental shooting.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting happened shortly before 4 p.m. in the 5200 block of Wells Avenue, which is located in the Academy/Sherman Park neighborhood.
Officers found the boy with a graze wound to his kneecap area.
St. Louis police initially said that the boy was with his 14-year-old cousin, who reportedly was either cleaning or loading a gun when it went off. People inside the home later told police that the boy shot himself.
He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
This is a developing story. 5 On Your Side is working to gather more information and will provide updates as they become available.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.
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