ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - An Alexandria man has been arrested after his four-year-old child died in an accidental shooting, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
APD said officers responded to a hospital at around 10:45 p.m. on May 9 after learning a four-year-old had died from an apparent gunshot wound.
They determined that the shooting took place in the 3000 block of Houston Street after a birthday party. A pair of four-year-olds was allegedly playing with a gun when it accidentally went off and killed one of the children.
Officers also determined that the weapon was stolen.
On May 10, APD arrested Cartavis Austin, 25, who they confirmed as the father of the child who died.
He was charged with one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of illegal possession of a stolen firearm. His bond is set at $200,000.
APD Chief Chad Gremillion released the following statement on May 10 on the investigation:
“A child has lost their life in a preventable tragedy. This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder of the importance of properly securing firearms and keeping them out of reach of children. We strongly urge all gun owners to responsibly store their firearms by keeping them unloaded, locked away, and inaccessible to children at all times.”
APD has contacted the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and is working with them on this case.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information was asked to contact APD at (318) 441-6416.