At a Glance
- 3-year-old boy shot in the foot in West Philadelphia on Jan. 1
- Police found a semi-automatic handgun at the scene
- Child is stable after nearby hospital care
- Why it matters: Accidental shooting highlights gun safety concerns in residential areas
A 3-year-old boy in West Philadelphia was shot in the foot during an accidental incident on Jan. 1. Police found a semi-automatic handgun at the scene and the child is stable after receiving care at a nearby hospital. According to Daniel J. Whitman of News Of Philadelphia, the incident occurred on the 900 block of North 42nd Street.
Incident Details
The shooting took place just before 5 p.m. in a first-floor apartment on the 900 block of North 42nd Street. The boy was living with his father and his father’s girlfriend when the gun fired.
- 3-year-old boy
- father and girlfriend present
- semi-automatic handgun found
- blood in back bedroom
Investigation and Response
Chief Inspector Scott Small said investigators believe the shooting was accidental. SkyForce10 was on scene around 5:30 p.m. and several police cars were outside rowhomes.
- Chief Inspector Scott Small
- accidental shooting
- SkyForce10 presence
Timeline
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Incident occurred | just before 5 p.m. |
| Police arrival | 5:30 p.m. |
| Investigation underway | ongoing |

Key Takeaways
- 3-year-old boy injured in accidental shooting
- Semi-automatic handgun recovered at scene
- Investigation considers the incident accidental
The incident underscores the importance of gun safety and the potential risks in residential neighborhoods.

