Stafford County Sheriff’s Office recruit’s 4 year old son dies of self inflicted gunshot
Orange County VA May 17 2017 A 4-year-old boy died Monday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Orange County home of a Stafford County Sheriff’s Office recruit, authorities said.
The recruit, who is currently enrolled at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, was not at home at the time, and the firearm involved was not a service weapon, the sheriff’s office said. Orange sheriff’s investigators are still investigating the shooting.
A child care provider was in the home with the boy at the time of the shooting, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson said the shooting occurred at about 12:45 p.m. on Mine Run Road. First responders attempted life-saving measures without success, and the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy is being conducted, authorities said.
The release did not say how the child got the gun, whether the child was related to the deputy or child care provider or if other children were at the site. The sheriff’s office said it would not provide any additional information until the investigation is completed.
The recruit began his employment in December and entered the regional academy soon afterward.
