MILWAUKEE — A 12-year-old boy was killed Saturday afternoon after he accidentally shot himself, according to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).
It happened just after 1 p.m. Saturday on the 6900 block of N. 43rd St., according to a news release from police. That's when the 12-year-old "obtained a firearm" and unintentionally shot himself.
The boy was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested for leaving the gun unattended. Charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the coming days.
"MPD would like to remind the public to secure your firearm with a gunlock and storage it out of the reach of children," the news release says.
Neighbors told TMJ4 News the boy was shot inside an apartment along 43rd St. Police blocked off access to the complex for hours on Saturday after the incident, neighbors said.
Parents living in the building were saddened and concerned that the gun had been left out.
"I feel like parents should be more responsible for getting locks with the gun. It's even more serious when you have little ones, toddlers," said Carla Gaines, a mother and grandmother.
Gaines said she believes the 12-year-old may have played basketball with her grandson at the elementary school next door.
"The hurt is always going to remain because that's your child, you know. It's a part of you," said Gaines.
Jason Johnson, a father of three in the building, said he works in security and keeps his guns in a lockbox.
"We should be more aware of in-house. What's going on in-house? What our kids are getting into. Not to blame the parents or anything like that. I know it can happen in any case, but just got to be more aware," said Johnson.
Check back often for updates on this developing story.
