3-y-o boy shoots 1-y-o sister with cop-father’s gun in St Elizabeth; CPFSA expresses shock

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is expressing shock over the incident in St Elizabeth in which a three-year-old boy shot his one-year-old sister with the service weapon of their father, who is a police constable.

The injured child has been admitted to hospital.

The police have not released information about the incident.

However, it is reported that the boy allegedly gained access to the service firearm, which discharged and hit his sibling.

The CPFSA says it is relieved that the child survived the incident and extended wishes for her full and speedy recovery.

"We are absolutely shocked by what has happened. The reported circumstances are particularly troubling given that the firearm belonged to a police officer, someone who, more than anyone else, should understand the importance of proper firearm handling and storage through professional training. Every firearm owner, however, has a duty to ensure that a weapon is never left where a child can gain access to it. Children depend entirely on adults to keep them safe, and there can be no excuse for leaving a firearm within their reach," said CPFSA Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager Kristen Laing in a statement on Tuesday.

Laing further stated that the incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a preventable act of negligence can become a life-altering tragedy.

"We are extremely grateful that this little girl is still alive. Her family could have instead been mourning her loss today. We have seen far too many similar incidents end in tragedy. While this officer is fortunate that his child survived, others who leave firearms carelessly or fail to secure them properly may not be afforded the same outcome," she added.

The agency said a first responder has been assigned to investigate the matter to ensure the well-being of the children is safeguarded and to provide immediate counselling and support to the family.

It also took the opportunity to remind firearm owners that weapons must be secured at all times.

“If a firearm is not being carried on one's person, it should be made safe, with the safety engaged where applicable, and locked away in a secure location that is completely inaccessible to children,” the agency said.

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