The 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself in the head with a pistol at a home in Aloha on Friday night, the Washington County Sheriff said.
According to authorities, relatives of 3-year-old James Kenneth Lindquester called 911 shortly before 10:00 pm, saying that James had taken a pistol from a drawer in his bedroom and shot himself in the head.
The boy was taken to a local hospital, but could not be saved. James was pronounced dead shortly before midnight.
“The death of a child is the worst challenge you can ever face. — Deputy Sheriff Shannon Wilde commented on the tragic incident — It's difficult, many of us are parents. I know that some of those who were at the scene last night have children of the same age. «
«We see a lot of terrible things, but there is nothing worse than that.»
Sheriff's office officials also urged gun owners to be careful, recalling that firearms must be kept locked up. Their statement was supported by Penny Okamoto of Cease Fire Oregon.
“If you decide to keep a firearm at home, then it should be locked in a safe place and not loaded. — emphasized Okamoto «Safe storage of [the pistol] is your responsibility.»
She also advised informing children in advance about the danger that weapons pose to them.
“Explain that they should not touch the weapon if they find it. Let them immediately leave the room and inform the elders about everything. «
As of now, no one has been charged with James' death. The sheriff's deputies say the case remains with the district attorney.
