TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Police Department is investigating a shooting incident which involved an infant on Tuesday afternoon.
TERRELL, Texas — The Terrell Police Department is investigating a shooting incident which involved an infant on Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., Terrell Police Department Captain A.D. Sansom says a father brought his infant to the police station after his infant suffered an apparent gunshot wound.
Sansom says, based on preliminary investigation, the man was conducting business just feet away from his vehicle where the infant and a toddler were located at Southwestern Christian College.
Sansom says while the father was conducting business, a shot was heard. The infant was injured and the man drove to the police station for assistance.
“The male parent was hysterical and the infant was crying, but alert and responsive,” stated Sansom.
The 22-month-old female infant was taken by CareFlite ambulance to the Terrell Municipal Airport where a CareFlite medical helicopter further transported the infant to a Dallas-area hospital.
In an afternoon update on Wednesday, Sansom says the infant's condition has greatly improved and will likely be released from an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) later today. Sansom says the child is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.
Upon further investigation, Sansom says the infant's three-year-old sister located an unsecured and loaded 9mm handgun under a seat in the truck.
"She picked it up and inadvertently discharged it striking the younger sister," stated Sansom.
Initial reports indicated the gunshot wound was to the neck, however, it was later determined by medical staff to have been on the upper left shoulder near the clavicle area, according to Sansom.
"The bullet entered and exited the child, then struck the interior door and exited through and out the right rear passenger door of the Dodge pickup," stated Sansom.
Terrell Police Department investigators are consulting with the Kaufman County District Attorney's Office regarding potential criminal charges against the father, who was identified as 25-year-old Elroy Caleb Middleton of Terrell, Texas. Sansom says although it is not illegal to possess a firearm in your vehicle, it is however illegal to make a weapon accessible to a minor.
The 9mm handgun was recovered from inside the vehicle, according to Sansom.
