DOLTON (Ill.) — Police said that a 3-year-old boy shot his mother accidentally while they were sitting in their car in a supermarket parking lot in suburban Chicago.
Police said that the woman was shot in Dolton on Saturday and declared dead at a hospital.
Police said that the family was sitting outside a Food 4 Less shop when the boy found a gun and shot it at his mother. After the boy indicated that he had the gun, authorities said the boy’s dad was taken into custody.
Police are still investigating and have not filed any charges. The Associated Press left a Monday message requesting updated information from the police.
Andrew Holmes, trustee of Dolton, stated Sunday that the tragedy could have been avoided. He visited the supermarket to distribute gun locks and talk to customers about gun safety.
Holmes explained that it only takes a second to unlock the gun, thread it through its barrel, turn it around and put it in. Holmes also spoke on behalf of ABC affiliate WLS Chicago. Secure it if you leave it.