LANCASTER, PA — On Wednesday, the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office concluded its investigation into a heartbreaking incident at the Tucquan Park Family Campground in Martic Township, Lancaster County. Tragically, a 3-year-old boy lost his life due to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound on October 20, 2023.
Pennsylvania State Police Troopers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:34 p.m. after receiving reports of a child shot in the head. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The incident took place after the family arrived at the campground earlier that day. While setting up their tow-behind camper, the father retrieved a phone charger and his holstered 9mm firearm from his truck. His intention was to safely store the firearm in the bedroom area of the camper.
Upon entering the camper, the father plugged in the charger and phone. He then placed the holstered firearm on a collapsed dining room table to turn on the outside speakers, located on the opposing wall only a few steps away. As he bent down to push the button, he heard a “pop”.
The child’s mother, who was cooking dinner at the time inside the camper, did not witness what occurred but confirmed that the father was briefly in the camper. The child, who was reportedly running around inside the camper at the time of the incident, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his left eye.
The gun, found next to the child outside of the holster, was legally owned. Another firearm, a rifle, was located secured in the bedroom area of the camper with the safety on. No evidence of drugs or alcohol was found at the scene.
After reviewing the investigative reports by the Pennsylvania State Police, the District Attorney’s Office concluded that the incident was a tragic accident. It was determined that the father failed to perceive the risk present when he briefly placed the holstered firearm down with the intention of immediately returning to secure it in another room while the child was seemingly preoccupied with running around the camper.
The incident, while a tragic mistake in judgment that led to the child’s death, did not rise to the level of a criminal act based upon the nature and intent of the circumstances. As such, no criminal charges are being filed, and the names of those involved will not be released.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.