O'FALLON, Mo. — A 12-year-old boy was injured when a gun discharged in an O’Fallon, Missouri home on Nov. 9.
According to the O’Fallon Police Department, a group of teenagers were inside a bedroom, passing the firearm around as each took turns looking at it. During this time, the gun was accidentally discharged, striking the 12-year-old boy. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Police said at this time, the investigation has not revealed any criminal intent to shoot the juvenile, nor was there any threat to the public.
The gun used in the incident was reported stolen from a car in Lincoln County and police said the appropriate criminal charges regarding the firearm will be pursued.
‘The O’Fallon Police Department is asking the public’s assistance with two things. First, please educate your children and others on the importance of firearm safety. This accident could have resulted in the death of a child; guns are not toys. Secondly, the need to secure firearms in locked homes and locked cars. Firearms are too commonly stolen from unlocked places and end up in the hands of children,’ The O’Fallon Police Department said in a press release.
