Toddler in critical condition after shooting self with handgun

LUNENBURG, VA (WWBT) - A 2-year-old boy is in critical condition at VCU Medical Center after accidentally shooting himself at a home in Lunenburg County Monday morning.

It happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. at a somewhat secluded home along Doswell Town Road in Meherrin.

A family from out of town was visiting for the Memorial Day holiday. That family's 2-year-old was alone in a bedroom when he reached up, grabbed a loaded handgun off a dresser, and pulled the trigger, shooting himself.

Officials say the family is cooperating with police, and the child is being treated at VCU Medical in Richmond.

The incident happened in a rural part of Virginia, where many people have guns -- in some cases a lot of them -- but the key is safely locking them up.

"Everybody who has a gun needs a gun safe," said Mike Snow, who lives right down the street from where this tragic situation took place.

Snow has several guns and several grandchildren. When they come over, he takes extra precautions.

"We all have rifles, handguns... and we have handguns in our house. I have handguns throughout my place, but [if] a child's coming over, I know where they're at, they're out, they're locked up, they're unloaded," said Snow.

Officials haven't decided if charges will be filed.

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