12-Year-Old Shot Himself With Illegal Handgun: Police

A 12-year-old is not expected to live apparently shooting himself in the head Sunday night. Yonkers police said they were called to an apartment on Nepperhan Avenue at 11:56 p.m.

Officers said they discovered the young boy down on the bedroom floor, and along with members of the Yonkers Fire Department and Empress Emergency Medical Services rendered aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The child was transported to a local area hospital where he is currently listed in grave condition and is not likely to survive, police said.

Medical examination of his head indicated that he suffered an apparent gunshot wound to his right temple. A criminal investigation was initiated.

Detectives from the Major Case Unit and Crime Scene Unit interviewed witnesses and family members and processed forensic and ballistic evidence.

Their preliminary investigation concluded that the victim was home alone with a younger neighbor in separate rooms; at some point, the victim discovered or came into possession of a loaded handgun and discharged two cartridges in the bedroom, with one bullet striking a window and the other striking himself in what appears to be a self-inflicted, potential accidental injury.

A short time later the victim was located by adults and family members who called 9-1-1; the younger neighbor was uninjured and uninvolved, and there are no other reports of injuries.

First responders found an illegal, loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol at the scene that was recovered as evidence. Investigators are working to determine how the handgun came to be possessed by a child, and the origins and transfer history of the same; family members are being interviewed at this time.

The identity of the victim will not be disclosed. This is an active and on-going investigation; additional information may be released as it becomes available.

The City of Yonkers and Yonkers Police Department are saddened by this tragic event, and remind individuals that all firearms must be safeguarded from children.

Gun locks are available for free at the Yonkers Police Community Affairs Division (914) 377-7375.