2-year-old Peoria boy critical after shooting himself

PEORIA -- The 2-year-old boy who used a family gun to accidentally shoot himself in the face on Thursday night was in stable but critical condition on Friday morning, according to Peoria police.

Doctors removed a portion of his skull to alleviate the swelling caused by the bullet, which struck his cheek and exited his head.



Doctors believe it will be another week before they are able to give an updated prognosis.



Peoria Fire Department first responders arrived at the home near 83rd Avenue and Varney Road, across from Peoria High School, shortly after 9:30 p.m. The boy was taken to Phoenix Children's Hospital in critical condition, police said.

The boy was with his grandmother and aunt, who called 911 in a panic after finding the injured child. The aunt told the 911 dispatch she was in the kitchen washing dishes when the boy shot himself with what she described as a small gun.

Detectives said the gun belongs to the boy's father, who was not home at the time. Preliminary investigation indicated that the gun was rolled up in sheets on the master bedroom bed.

The boy found the gun while playing on the bed and fired one round which struck him in the face.

The family is cooperating with police and no criminal charges are pending at this time, police said.



















