Indianapolis Child Dies After Accidental Self-Inflicted Gunshot at Stone Ridge Apartments on Thanksgiving
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — A 6-year-old boy died Thursday afternoon after accidentally shooting himself with a handgun inside a southwest Indianapolis apartment, according to police. The fatal incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day, leaving the family devastated as investigators worked into the evening interviewing those who were inside the home at the time.
Child Shot Inside Apartment While Parents Were Not Present
Police say officers were dispatched just before 4:10 p.m. to the 5200 block of Corgan Way at the Stone Ridge Apartments, located off State Road 67 near Indianapolis International Airport. When officers arrived, they found the child suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Authorities confirmed the child was inside the home with a relative, not with his parents. The parents were traveling back to Indianapolis after being notified of the shooting.
Investigators say multiple individuals inside the apartment were brought to police headquarters for questioning, and the family members present were cooperating fully.
Police Warn About Dangers of Unsecured Firearms in the Home
Investigators confirmed the incident involved a handgun, though details about how the child accessed the weapon have not been released. Officers emphasized that unsecured firearms continue to be a leading factor in preventable childhood deaths.
One officer stressed the irreversible consequences of unsafe gun storage, stating:
“You just can’t take a bullet back once it’s left the gun, and in this instance, a child got a hold of a firearm. We have to do better as adults.”
Authorities said the boy’s death was entirely preventable and urged the public to secure firearms responsibly, especially in homes where children are present.
City Officials Highlight Free Gun Lock Programs in Marion County
Police reminded residents that free gun locks are available at public library branches across Marion County, part of an ongoing effort to reduce accidental shootings.
Officers also noted that individuals who no longer want to keep a firearm can contact police to have the weapon collected and safely destroyed.
The investigation remains active, and detectives are working to determine how the firearm was stored and how the child gained access.
As Indianapolis continues to confront the dangers of unsecured firearms, authorities are urging residents to prioritize safety and proper gun storage, especially during holiday gatherings. For continued updates on this case and other public safety developments across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.