A 2-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after authorities say he accidentally shot himself Thursday in Harvey. The incident unfolded on the 1300 block of Brown Avenue, where the child suffered a gunshot wound to his lower extremities and was rushed to Manning Family Childrens Hospital in New Orleans. Deputies later arrested the boy's uncle, identified as 29-year-old Cedric Johnson, and booked him in connection with the shooting, according to Jefferson Parish authorities.
As reported by NOLA.com, deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office went to Johnson's residence around 8 p.m. Thursday and took him into custody. Jail records list a slate of serious counts tied to the arrest, including second-degree cruelty to a juvenile, obstruction of justice, use of a firearm in connection with drug activity, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and drug possession with intent to distribute.
What investigators say
Investigators with the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office said the child was "manipulating the weapon when it discharged," Sgt. Brandon Veal stated. Deputies found the injured toddler at the scene and coordinated his transport to a New Orleans childrens hospital for treatment.
Charges, booking and bail
Local booking records show Johnson is being held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna, with bail set at $145,000. Prosecutors are expected to review the arrest reports and decide whether to file formal charges as the investigation moves forward.
Child safety and community concerns
The case highlights the very real dangers that unsecured firearms pose in homes with young children. Law enforcement regularly stresses basic safe-storage practices, such as keeping guns unloaded, locked and well out of a child's reach. Authorities have not released further updates on the boy's condition while investigators continue gathering evidence.
Legal note
Several of the counts listed in the booking records are felony-level offenses, and the district attorneys office will determine the next steps after reviewing the evidence. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office, which is handling the investigation.
