A Rhode Island father who accidentally shot his four-year-old son in the head Tuesday is facing multiple charges, police say.
Michael Jones, 33, of Cranston, was allegedly holding a 9-millimeter gun in his bedroom when it accidentally discharged, sending a bullet through the bedroom wall into an adjacent room and hitting the boy, Boston 25 reported. When officers arrived at the home at around 10 a.m., they found Jones holding the young boy in his arms, according to police.
After the child’s grandfather, who lives on the first floor, called 911, the boy was brought to Hasbro Children’s Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition, Boston 25 reported. (RELATED: Two Pennsylvania Men Sentenced To Life After Killing 18-Month-Old In Drive-By Shooting)
Police obtained a court-authorized search warrant and found the loaded 9-millimeter that was used in the shooting, according to Boston 25.
“How Jones acquired the gun remains under investigation,” police said, according to Boston.com.
Jones, who is on probation after a 2022 felony assault conviction, is prohibited from owning a gun and now faces multiple charges, including felony assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and firing in a compact area, Boston 25 reported.
“This case is particularly difficult for all involved given the age of the victim and highlights the need to keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited individuals. A tragedy like this hits home with our first responders, many of whom have children of their own. Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family as he fights for survival,” Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael Winquist said.
Jones will be arraigned at Cranston Police Headquarters.