Omaha, Nebraska – A young child is recovering in the hospital after police say he accidentally shot himself with a gun that slipped out of his father’s pocket while the man was asleep. The incident has resulted in multiple neglect and child abuse charges and renewed concerns about unsecured firearms inside homes with children.
Police say the 5-year-old boy, who has not been publicly identified, suffered a gunshot wound to his arm on Sunday after handling a firearm that fell from the pocket of his father, 28-year-old Trae Colvin, as he reportedly napped in bed. An infant, just 7 months old, was also lying nearby during the shooting.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, Colvin had driven home with the 5-year-old and placed the gun inside the pocket of his sweatpants. After returning home, he lay down on the bed with both children and eventually fell asleep. Court documents state that the gun likely slipped out of his clothing while he slept.
Police say the boy somehow gained access to the firearm and discharged it, striking himself in the arm…