North Carolina authorities have announced that a father was charged with the accidental death of his toddler boy, after he accidentally shot himself with his loaded gun.
Two-year-old Warren Bennett Oser had climbed through an open door into his father’s truck, where a loaded Smith & Wesson 40-caliber handgun was on the front seat, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, the child was able, while playing with the gun and firing one round into the head. The child was taken to a local hospital where he was declared dead.
“My heart goes out to the parents as they grieve the loss of their son,” said Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle in a statement this week. “These tragedies are 100% preventable by safely storing all weapons away from minor children as required by statute.”
Warren Tyler Oser, the toddler’s dad, has been charged with a misdemeanor count of failing to properly and safely store a firearm to protect a minor, Doyle said. His first court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22.
“This isn’t about rightful gun ownership. It is the gun owner’s responsibility to ensure minors are safe by making sure all weapons are away from children.” Doyle said.
Both parents were home when the accident occurred, authorities said.
His family said Bennett was a sweet and energetic boy who loved his toy dinosaur and visiting his grandparents, who lived next door.
“Bennett was a happy kid who loved all his family deeply.” his parents wrote in an online obituary. “He would add to his favorite people’s list every day.
“Though his life was brief, his spirit and memory lives on in his family and friends. We are grateful and blessed that God chose us to be his parents and let us watch over him for even the short amount of time that he had on Earth.”
A GoFundMeTo assist with the funeral expenses of the family, a fund has been set up.
Gun owners were urged by the sheriff’s office to keep their guns locked up and out of reach of children.