Teen uncle charged after 3-year-old accidentally shoots self in South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The district attorney on Thursday announced charges against a 17-year-old in connection with the accidental shooting of a 3-year-old boy inside a South Philadelphia home.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said the teen, who is the child's uncle, was charged after police said the toddler accidentally shot himself in the face late Wednesday night.

The shooting happened after 11 p.m. on the second floor of a home near 26th Street and Snyder Avenue.

According to sources, the 17-year-old had several guns inside the home. Police say the toddler grabbed one of the firearms and it discharged.

Krasner said one of the weapons involved was not recovered at the scene.

"We know that the firearm that caused this horrific injury was missing from the home at the time police responded," Krasner said.

The child was taken by a private vehicle to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he is listed in critical condition.

Neighbors said they were shocked by the shooting and had seen the boy playing outside earlier in the day.

"I hope the family and the little boy is ok. I'm praying everything is ok," one neighbor said.

Another neighbor said the child had been outside enjoying the recent warm weather.

"We just had these nice days, he was just riding around on the scooter. His brothers, his sisters, they sit right there on the porch," the neighbor said.

Police initially took three people who were inside the home at the time of the shooting for overnight interviews. On Thursday, authorities charged the 17-year-old with endangering the welfare of children, along with related weapons offenses.

A neighbor said the incident highlights how quickly situations can escalate when firearms are accessible to children.

"Kids move so fast, you never know. You can't blame the little boy. The parents? Eh. They're going to learn from their mistake," the neighbor said.

Numbers from the data journalism team show several accidental shootings involving children occur in Philadelphia each year. Anti-violence advocates emphasized the need for vigilance within families and neighborhoods.

"Check book bags, check rooms. If you hear something, say something. If you see something, say something. Stand up. We must come together as a community," said Tone Barr of the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia.

Police are still searching for the missing gun. Asked whether additional charges could be filed, Krasner said the investigation remains active.