IMPD: Toddler dies after accidentally being shot at north side home
UPDATE: The toddler who died after accidentally being shot in the head Tuesday night was identified by the Marion County Coroner’s Office as 2-year-old Jarel Miles.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A toddler boy was pronounced dead after being shot in an accidental shooting Tuesday night at a home off East 38th Street, Indianapolis police say.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was called just after 11:50 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a person shot at a home in the 3700 block of North Dearborn Street. That’s in a residential neighborhood near retail businesses and apartments off 38th Street between Keystone Avenue and North Sherman Drive.
The toddler was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but later died, IMPD said in a release Wednesday morning.
The shooting was ruled accidental, and police did not believe a danger existed in the area. IMPD said the shooting was still under investigation.
IMPD said this situation was avoidable, “Absolutely preventable,” said IMPD Officer Cory Ahlermeyer.
An IMPD spokesman at the shooting scene said the shooting was good opportunity to remind people to secure their weapons.
“How many times do we have to have this conversation before people start listening,” said I-Team 8 Reporter Kody Fisher.
“Any time more than one is obviously unacceptable and anything beyond that is extremely unacceptable. What we need is for citizens to step up and do the right thing,” Ahlermeyer said.
The right thing comes down to proper gun safety in the home, “First and foremost, keep firearms away from children. Just keeping them up in a high place isn’t enough. You need to keep ammunition separate from the firearm. Keeping your firearms locked. Ideally in a safe, but we know that’s not always possible. Safe’s are expensive, but gun locks,” Ahlermeyer said.
IMPD has not said how the child was shot. The investigation will determine if any one person was responsible.
The Marion County Prosecutors Office will determine if any charges will be filed.