EL DORADO — A single gunshot that resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy late last month has been ruled accidental, according to El Dorado police.
Police declined to publicly identify the victim and the alleged shooter, citing their ages — both were minors — and a desire to protect the privacy of the family “during a difficult time.”
The boy died on June 25 at Medical Center of South Arkansas.
Officers were called to MCSA in reference to a “crowd control issue” and learned that the boy had been transported to the hospital by private vehicle after becoming unresponsive at home.
He died a short time later, police said.
Investigators said the boy had been shot with a small-caliber handgun and that family members were unaware that the gun was inside the house at the time.
“A relative who had been staying there off and on had brought the gun, a .22, into the house and no one else knew it was there,” said Capt. Kevin Holt, public information officer for the El Dorado Police Department.
Holt said adult relatives were home when the shooting occurred, but they did not hear the gunshot.
He also said the gunshot wound was small and was not in an area that was immediately visible on the boy’s body.
“They did not find it until he was taken to the hospital. With minimal blood loss, the two parties involved did not grasp the caliber of the situation,” Holt said.
Lt. Cathy Phillips said the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in Little Rock determined that the death was accidental.
“This was a tragic accident, and the El Dorado Police Department expresses their condolences to the family,” Phillips said. “As the days and weeks go by, we ask that this family remain in your prayers.”
Police declined to publicly release further details about the incident.
Holt said the investigation is ongoing, and police do not anticipate any arrests at this point.
Officers stressed the importance of gun safety and securing guns in the home.
“Safely storing firearms locked and unloaded is critical,” Phillips said.
Added Holt, “We want people to know they’ve got to lock their guns up. Safety is incumbent on gun owners. You’ve got to put firearms in lock vaults or lock boxes.”
Holt and Phillips said free gun locks are available to the public at the El Dorado Police Department, as supplies last. For more information, call 870-881-4810.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.