3-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Self, Dies, Woman Arrested: Police

MILWAUKEE, WI — A 3-year-old boy died at a hospital after he accidentally shot himself early Friday morning near Highland Avenue and 20th Street, and a woman has been arrested in connection with the child's death, Milwaukee police said in a news release.

The child obtained the gun and accidentally fired it, hitting himself and causing severe injuries just before 5 a.m., police said. According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner, the boy later died at Children's Hospital.

Police said a 28-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the child's death. Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee District Attorney, police said.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson released a statement on Twitter Friday morning after news of the child's death came out.

Johnson said he is "disturbed by all gun deaths in Milwaukee, but when the victim is a 3-yr-old, I am horrified."

"There are too many guns in the hands of people who should not have them," Johnson said. "All weapons must be locked and secured in a home."

An autopsy on the boy was scheduled for Friday, the medical examiner said. Milwaukee police are investigating the case.

Milwaukee police reminded people that guns should be secured with a lock away from children. If you don't have a gun lock, you can contact your local police district to see if any free ones are available, police said.