The arrest of a father in the accidental shootout of the toddler underlines the importance of weapons security practices

Jacksonville, Fla. -The father of a 2-year-old child who was accidentally shot on the west side on the west side was arrested in connection with the death of his son. Now the Jacksonville office has published a message to raise awareness of security of weapons.

The shootout on April 20 took place on the Calvary Drive in the Wesconnett district. The Jacksonville office found the toddler with a single firing wound.

He died in the hospital, said JSO.

After the examination, JSO learned that the father did not have to secure the weapon properly.

JSO did not say where the toddler found the gun.

The 31-year-old father was arrested on Thursday for neglecting children and culpable negligence.

“Safer firearm bearing near minors is not only common sense – it is the law in Florida. Children are our most precious resource,” said the sheriff's office.

JSO gave gun owners tips to keep curious children protected:

1. Use a safe or lock box to save firearms.

2. Weapon triggers are inexpensive and effective.

3. Even if you do not have any weapons, ask about storing firearms in the houses that your child visits.

4. Teach your children: If you ever come across a weapon, you should stay away and tell an adult immediately.

“If you have a firearm, you will meet every precaution to protect your loved ones. This is literally a question of life and death,” said JSO.

JSO also shared statistics on the deaths of firearms in children and teenagers.

According to healthildren.org, firearms are the most common cause of death for US children and adolescents under the age of 18. Studies show that about half of the deaths for unintentional firearm injuries in children and teenagers took place between 2001 and 2021 – often than children with or showed another weapon from another. In many cases, the firearm was a gun from a bedside table or sleeping area.