A 3-year-old South Carolina boy has died after accidentally shooting himself with an unattended gun at a Columbia-area apartment complex, authorities said.
The incident happened Thursday at an apartment complex on Bailey Street near The Colony apartments in Columbia. Police received a call around 5:40 p.m. reporting that a child had been shot.
Richland County deputies responded to the scene and found the toddler suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. The child was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office identified the child as 3-year-old Erin Myers on Friday.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred after the boy’s 21-year-old uncle, Tyrone Thompson Jr., allegedly left a firearm unattended in a room where the toddler was present.
Thompson is facing a charge of possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Deputy Chief Melron Kelly said Thompson allegedly did not provide aid to the child after the shooting. Authorities also said he disposed of the firearm and fled the scene.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
The tragic incident serves as another reminder of the dangers of leaving firearms unsecured around children. Firearms should always be unloaded when not in use and stored securely in a locked location that children cannot access.
This remains an active investigation, and the allegations against Thompson have not been proven in court.
