The Clewiston Police Department is giving away free gun locks following the tragic shooting of a toddler.
Police say the 2-year-old was shot around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night on S Lopez Street. The report says officers found the child's body with a single gunshot wound in a bedroom.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,000 children die a year by accidental gun deaths. Most children find the guns in nightstands in bedrooms.
“Gun ownership is a right. However, handling and storage is a responsibility,” said Tracey Thornton, an injury prevention educator with Lee Health. She says this is why it's so important families educate children on firearm safety and keep guns locked up and out of reach of children. She also suggests storing your ammunition and guns separately.
"A lot of parents will drop kids off at other people's homes. And I think we failed to ask the question, 'Do you have firearms in your home? Are they securely stored?' We're taking care of not only our families but everyone else's families as well.” said Thornton.
Clewiston Police have not yet said who pulled the trigger or if anyone will be facing any charges. NBC2 crews did see the Florida Department of Children and Families at the home Thursday night.
Police Chief Thomas Lewis stated, "We are saddened by this tragic event and our hearts and prayers go out to the family. We ask that the community respect their time to grieve and be patient as the investigation continues.”
The Clewiston Police Department is passing out free gun locks until supplies last. The lock comes with an instruction manual and a key. All you have to do is visit the department on 300 South Burner Road, no questions asked.
