San Diego

Gun 6-Year-Old Used to Shoot Herself in Leg Belongs to Family: PD

The loaded gun a 6-year-old girl shot herself with at a San Diego apartment on Saturday was not secured in a child-proof way, San Diego Police (SDPD) spokesman Lieutenant Scott Wahl said. 

The incident happened in the 3800 block of Caminito Aguilar in Clairemont at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, though it is still unclear how the shooting happened. Both of the girl's parents were home at the time, as well as two other siblings, a 7- and 3-year-old.

The young girl, who has not been identified by police, suffered a non-life threatening wound to her leg. After the incident, her parents called 911. She was taken to Rady Children's Hospital, and there is no update on her condition.  

The gun she used belonged to her family and had been owned for several years, police said.

Due to the injury and circumstance, Child Protective Services automatically became involved in the process. 

Child abuse detectives will conduct a forensic interview with the girl when she recovers. 

As of Monday, the girl was in custody of her family. 

No one has been been arrested, but officials say the investigation is ongoing.

Police warns parents to secure potentially dangerous items, including guns, medications, extension cords and other items, that may be dangerous to children. 

SDPD's Northwestern Division has free gun locks. The station is located at 12592 El Camino Real. They can be reached at (858) 523-7000.

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