Boy, 3, wounds parents with handgun

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A 3-year-old boy found a handgun in his mother’s purse and fired just one shot that wounded both his parents at an Albuquerque motel on Saturday, police said.

According to investigators, the toddler apparently reached for an iPod but found the loaded weapon. Police believe the shooting to be accidental.

The bullet first struck his father in the buttock and then hit the right shoulder of his mother, who is eight months pregnant, police said. His 2-year-old sister was present but unhurt.

Both injuries are non-life-threatening, authorities said.

Justin Reynolds told KOB-TV that he and his girlfriend, Monique Villescas, were getting ready to order pizza when the toddler fired the shot.

Reynolds said he called 911 and grabbed some towels to try to stop her bleeding.

Police said in a statement that the father was treated and released, while the mother was hospitalized in stable condition.

“This case will be forwarded to the DA’s office and pending charges of felony criminal negligence will be reviewed on both parents,” Albuquerque police spokesman Simon Drobik said.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that the family was living in a room at the America’s Best Value Inn where the shooting occurred.

Police said child care officials are taking care of the children.