In a recent incident in Tuscarawas County, a 9-year-old boy sustained injuries after he struck a .22 caliber bullet with a hammer, causing it to explode, as reported by News 5 Cleveland. The boy, found bleeding near a shed with his younger brother, was rushed to Akron Children's Hospital with shrapnel injuries to his arm and ankle.
The Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office received notification of the incident last Thursday evening after a neighbor made a distress call, Sheriff Orvis Campbell stated via News 5 Cleveland, "this case gives the rest of us an opportunity to talk to our kids about the dangers of firearms and ammunition and to secure it out of reach," emphasizing the importance of keeping ammunition away from children. No firearm was located on the premises, confirming that the explosive injury was solely due to the struck bullet, as the child was believed to have 'cut himself' until further investigation, according to FOX19.
Upon arrival at the scene, deputies were informed by the 9-year-old's 6-year-old brother about the details of the incident, as noted in reports provided by the sheriff's office. The children found the bullet and opted to hit it with a hammer, which led to the unforeseen detonation and subsequent injury.
The 9-year-old's condition has been reported as stable, and he is expected to make a full recovery, Capt. Adam Fisher of the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office further investigated by visiting the hospital, where he met with the family of the injured boy and verified the account of the incident as portrayed by both brothers who indicated they were engaging in an impromptu experiment gone awry with the hammer and the bullet, this according to FOX8 News.
A review by the Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services is set to follow as a general protocol in such situations to ensure the overall safety and well-being of the children involved.
