FERGUSON, Mo. — A 2-year-old boy shot himself after getting ahold of a City of St. Louis Sheriff's Department deputy's gun Saturday in Ferguson.
The toddler is now out of the hospital and recovering from an injury to his stomach. The child is the deputy's nephew, according to charging documents.
On Monday, April 1, Deputy James Short was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Charging documents said he was home at the time of the incident but outside of the house when the child, left unattended, entered his room and accessed the loaded weapon.
According to the charging documents, Short admitted leaving his weapon unattended and that he was aware his nephew was often present at the home and would likely be present the day of the incident due to family plans that evening.
Ferguson Police Detective Sammy Numan was there when the call came in. He said the 2-year-old boy was visiting the deputy when the little boy picked up the man's service gun.
"Children don't understand what guns are capable of and when they have it within reach, they're often curious. They want to play with it. They want to touch it … Unload your guns. Invest in some gun locks," he said.
Numan said just because the suspect is in law enforcement doesn't mean he's above the law.
"I will hold you to a higher standard because you've been through the training. You know the danger that's associated with guns … If you're law enforcement or you're a regular civilian, for every action there is a reaction and consequences," Numan added.
The Ferguson Police Department recommended the deputy face charges relating to endangering the welfare of a child, which is a misdemeanor.
Short has worked for the sheriff's department since November 2023, and he completed a firearms safety course before receiving the pistol in December, according to the charging documents.
“Our prayers are with the family of this young man who was tragically injured," St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts said in a statement. "We are praying for his complete recovery. This tragic accident is exactly why I mandate weapons safety training and safe storage including gun locks."
5 On Your Side asked the sheriff if the deputy is being suspended due to the incident but has not yet received a response.
Top St. Louis headlines
Get the latest news and details throughout the St. Louis area from 5 On Your Side broadcasts here.