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SPRINGVILLE — The young child who died Tuesday night in Springville after accidentally shooting himself was the son of a police officer, and the Utah County Attorney's Office is now investigating the incident to avoid any potential conflicts.
The 2-year-old boy died from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he grabbed a handgun in the home.
"I'm not quite sure whether it was the service weapon or not, but the child got a hold of the handgun and shot himself with it," said Tim Taylor, chief deputy with the Utah County Attorney's Office.
Paramedics were called to the home, but it was too late to help the boy, whose name investigators declined to release. Taylor says investigators will look for any negligence involved, but at this point are calling the shooting an accident.
From what I have looked at right now, we're not looking at any charges.
–Tim Taylor
"From what I have looked at right now, we're not looking at any charges," Taylor said. "It's more of investigating a tragic accident."
The tragedy is impacting those who know the officer and his family.
"Our hearts and our prayers go out to this family," Taylor said. "Tough, tough situation and we are so sorry for them, but I think there is a lot of people rallying to support them."
Authorities say the investigation may take a week, at which point identities of the boy and his father will be made public.
