A Virginia father was arrested Friday on charges stemming from the shooting of his 3-year-old son last week.
Richmond Police said they were alled to an apartment complex shortly before 10 a.m. on November 16 for the shooting and found the toddler with a gunshot wound to the neck, WTKR reported. The boy was taken to a hospital, and officials now say his wounds are “no longer considered life-threatening.”
Richmond Police said Joshua Aaron Reilly, 29, has been charged with a misdemeanor allowing access to firearms by a child and two drug felonies. More charges could be filed.
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards told WWBT that Reilly is the toddler’s father. Police have not said if the boy somehow got his hands on the gun and shot himself, but they have said the shooting was “accidental.” Although he didn’t describe the boy’s injury, Edwards said it was severe.
”I would say his wound is life-altering. It is not a graze wound. We’re just lucky he’s still alive,” he said.
”The second amendment is certainly a right, but it’s also a responsibility, and if it goes to a situation like this, you will be held responsible,” said Edwards.
According to WTKR, Reilly had a record of traffic and criminal violations that included a prior child abuse charge, which was reduced to a misdemeanor contributed charge. At least part of his sentence for that conviction was suspended.
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[Featured image: Joshua Aaron Reilly/Richmond Police Department]
