Crime & Safety

4-Year-Old Dies After Accidentally Shooting Himself: Lake County Sheriff

The boy found the gun in a case underneath a bed in his babysitter's home.

CROWN POINT, IN — A 4-year-old boy died Saturday afternoon after accidentally shooting himself at his babysitter's house in unincorporated Crown Point. The Lake County Coroner's office said Eric Cole of Wheatfield was pronounced dead just after noon at Franciscan Health Crown Point. Police told the Chicago Tribune the boy found the handgun in a case underneath a bed at his babysitter's house.

Police said the boy opened the case and the weapon discharged as he was handling it.

Officials told the Tribune the case is being investigated as an accident and authorities do not expect to file charges.

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