2-year-old fatally shoots self near 35th and Walnut, man arrested
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Police say a toddler died Wednesday morning after getting their hands on an unsecured gun.
A Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) spokesperson said the 2-year-old child was able to reach an unsecured gun inside a house near N. 35th St. and W. Walnut Street.
First responders were called to the home around 11 a.m. The wounded toddler was rushed to the hospital, but police said the child did not survive.
Police arrested a 42-year-old man at the scene; they did not immediately share what the man's relationship is with the child.
Family members outside the home early Wednesday afternoon declined to speak with reporters.
Shawn Moore, from The Moore Resource and Strategy Group, showed up later in the afternoon. Moore explained the group shows up when members are tipped off to violent crimes.
He said the group's goal is primarily to prevent violence by identifying and intervening in situations involving high-risk individuals.
In this case, however, Moore said the group would just try to provide support for the victim's family.
"First, a lot of prayer," Moore said. "Then, we just stand by and wait on the family. See if there's anything we can do, any resources that can be provided and offer our assistance."
MPD added in its release the incident serves as a reminder for people to use locks for their guns and keep them out of the reach of children.
Moore said he was hesitant to criticize anyone without knowing all the details first-hand, but he added tragedies like this one can easily be avoided.
"If you got a gun, keep it locked up," Moore said. "Keep it away from your kids. We continue to see this happen over and over, and it can be prevented."