COLUMBIANA, AL – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says a toddler accidentally fatally shot a 6-year-old sibling at the home of a Helena police officer Monday.
Around 10:00AM Shelby County 911 received an emergency call regarding a 6-year-old with a gunshot wound at a home on Goldilocks Lane in the Maylene community.
Shelby County Deputies and medical personnel responded to the scene. The child was transported by ambulance to Shelby Baptist Medical Center for treatment; however, the child later died at the hospital.
Police say the initial investigation indicates that the child was accidentally shot by a 3-year-old sibling using a firearm found in the home.
Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego commented on the incident, saying, “This was a truly tragic morning for Shelby County. Our agency grieves with the family of this child. I would like to thank the Alabaster Fire Department, County 17 Fire and Rescue, and Southeast Shelby Rescue for their assistance.”
The Helena police chief said one of their officers lives at the location.
“There was nothing that indicates that his duty weapon or any of his issued equipment was involved in this tragedy,” Major Clay Hammac said. “This was a personal firearm that was left unsecured in the home.”
Hammac said no charges are expected.
“I can say with absolute certainty that this case hurts,” Hammac said. “It hurts the community at large. It hurts our first responders who are grieving with this family.”
