No one will be charged in the case of a 4-year-old Apex boy who accidentally shot himself after finding a gun, police said Friday.

The boy, who was struck by a bullet in the lower leg, found the loaded gun about 2 p.m. Thursday inside the unlocked glove box of a car parked outside his home on Scott’s Ridge Trail.

Apex police said a family friend had placed the gun in the car and went inside the home to visit with the boy’s mother. The boy and his 3-year-old brother went outside to play and found the gun.

The boy was treated for a non-life-threatening injury at WakeMed.

Apex police said no charges are pending against the friend because state law requires the gun owner and child must live in the same home in order for the gun owner to be charged.

But police said the case serves as a reminder to adults to make sure weapons are out of reach of curious children.

“We would like to take this time to remind all firearm owners to secure their guns in their home or vehicles anytime any minor may possibly come in contact with them,” Capt. Ann Stephens said in a statement. “This is a very sad situation that could have become a tragedy for one family.”

