'Accidental' shooting blamed for injuries to Louisville child in Parkland neighborhood

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police investigators have determined a shooting Thursday morning that left a young child hospitalized early Thursday was "accidental" and "self-inflicted."

LMPD officers responded to Norton West Hospital just after 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, according to a news release. That's where they found the child — believed to be around 4 years old — with a gunshot wound.

Staff from Norton West provided initial treatment before the child was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital in downtown. The child was transferred to Norton West Hospital late Thursday morning, with injuries not considered life-threatening, LMPD said.

Investigators preliminarily determined the shooting happened at a residence in the 2700 block of Garland Avenue in the Parkland neighborhood.

LMPD's Non-Fatal Shooting Unit continues to lead the investigation, which remains active and ongoing as detectives work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"Incidents like this are a vivid reminder of how important it is to secure your firearms and take proper precautions when small children are around," an LMPD spokesperson said in a news release. "We are very grateful that this shooting did not turn tragic."

More Local News:

Thousands of JCPS students return to class Thursday on first day of school

Gunfire near Louisville bus stops on first day of school prompts search for suspect

Weekend lane closures planned on I-65 in downtown Louisville for final repairs