A Baton Rouge father has been arrested after police say his 2-year-old son accidentally gained access to a firearm inside a home and shot himself.
The incident led to the arrest of 23-year-old Leveon Moss of Baton Rouge, who was charged with cruelty to juveniles, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD).
Toddler Finds Gun Inside South Flannery Road Home
Police said the shooting happened inside a residence on South Flannery Road in Baton Rouge.
According to investigators, the 2-year-old child was able to get hold of a firearm and accidentally fired one shot.
The child suffered injuries and was taken to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital for medical treatment.
Father Says Gun Was Not Properly Secured
BRPD investigators spoke with the child’s parents at the hospital around 1:50 p.m. on Monday, July 20, following the shooting.
During the investigation, Moss told officers that he and his girlfriend were at the home when the incident occurred. He said their son had been in bed before gaining access to the firearm.
According to police, Moss admitted that he had placed the gun under a pillow in his bedroom and failed to properly secure it.
Investigators said the unsecured firearm allowed the young child to reach the weapon, resulting in the accidental shooting.
Police Say Negligence Led to Child’s Injuries
The arrest affidavit stated that Moss’s actions resulted in an unsafe situation that caused the child to suffer unnecessary harm.
The affidavit noted that “due to Moss’ negligence, a child under the age of seventeen suffered unjustifiable pain.”
Authorities determined that the firearm had not been stored in a safe manner, leading to the juvenile cruelty charge.
Child Taken to Hospital by Parents
After the shooting, Moss and his girlfriend transported the child to the hospital in their personal vehicle rather than waiting for emergency responders.
Medical staff treated the toddler after the family arrived at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.
Officials have not released additional details about the child’s current condition.
Father Arrested
Following the investigation, Baton Rouge police arrested Leveon Moss on Monday, July 20, and booked him on a charge of cruelty to juveniles.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police continue to remind firearm owners about the importance of properly storing and securing weapons, especially in homes where children are present.
