ONTARIO — Ontario police said Thursday it appears a 6-year-old child found a gun inside a home Wednesday night and fired it, accidentally shooting a 3-year-old.
The announcement came as police continue to investigate the shooting at Landings Court on the city’s east side.
Officers, who found no weapons during an initial search, have now recovered the gun believed to have been involved in the shooting.
At this time, criminal charges are under review regarding the supervision and safety of the children involved, police said.
Ontario police issued an emailed news release Thursday at 6:13 a.m. morning reporting the overnight shooting.
On Wednesday at 10:20 p.m., Ontario police responded to a report that a child had been shot. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Richland County’s Sheriff’s Department and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation also responded to the scene.
Springfield Township EMS transported the 3‑year‑old victim to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital for treatment of injuries, described as non life‑threatening.
Richland County Children Services is working alongside law enforcement as part of the investigation. Police said they will provide an additional update to the public once they finalize the charges.
related story
3-year-old struck by bullet in Ontario shooting; police investigating
A 3-year-old child was struck by a bullet Wednesday night in a shooting on the city’s east side, according to Ontario police.