Indiana Man Arrested in Connection With 5-Year-Old Who Died From Accidental Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

An Indiana man has been arrested after his 5-year-old son shot and killed himself after he got ahold of the family’s gun, according to authorities.

Around 9:30 p.m. on May 12, officers responded to a call in Indianapolis of a young child that had at least one gunshot wound from an accidental, self-inflicted shooting, the IndyStar reported.

The boy was transported to Riley Hospital for Children in critical condition, but he died later that night.

During the investigation, the child’s father, 25-year-old Jahbar Scott, allegedly told investigators he was sitting on the couch with his two sons watching TV when he put his 9mm firearm on the side of the couch and went to use the bathroom, according to the IndyStar.

When he was using the bathroom, Scott heard a single gunshot, officials said.

The father told police he found his 5-year-old son on the couch and released the magazine when he located the gun, police said.

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The boy’s mother, who was also home, told investigators she was on the phone at the time of the shooting.

Scott was arrested and has been charged with neglect of a dependent causing death, officials said. However, the final charging decision will be made by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.