Boy Accidentally Shoots Himself Father, A Security Guard, Left Handgun In Bedroom

A 9-year-old Spokane Valley boy is in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself in the head Friday with his father’s handgun, the sheriff’s department said.

Sheriff’s spokesman Dave Wiyrick said the boy’s father is a security guard who put his handgun in the bedroom at 12118 E. 26th Ave. when he got home from work Friday afternoon.

The father was on the telephone at about 3:30 p.m. when he heard a gunshot, Wiyrick said. He found his son walking out of the bedroom with a head wound.

“All indications at this time are that it was self-inflicted and accidental,” Wiyrick said Friday evening.

The boy’s 6-year-old sister was in the room at the time of the shooting, he said. The 9-year-old has a twin brother, Wiyrick said.

Police did not identify the boy or his father.

The boy was conscious and able to talk to his father before ambulance crews took him to the hospital. The man, who was obviously distraught, stood in the front yard talking to police detectives after the ambulance left.

Detectives will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Wiyrick said the accident is a reminder that parents should keep their weapons in a locked box or gun safe.

The boy was out of surgery and in critical condition at Deaconess Medical Center late Friday, Wiyrick said.