Boy, 3, shoots his hand in latest example of dangerous growing trend in Indianapolis

An Indianapolis 3-year-old was admitted Friday morning to Eskenazi Hospital after shooting himself in the hand, becoming the latest example of an alarming trend in the city.

Accidental shootings in Indianapolis have considerably increased compared with the past several years, showing a rise after the state’s permitless carry law went into effect July 2022, according to the latest data from Indianapolis Metropolitan Police.

More:Beech Grove father jailed after boy waves gun during 'On Patrol: Live,' records show

Soon after the law went into effect, the city saw a 46% spike in accidental shootings compared to past years, and it's a statistic experts say isn't slowing. In the overwhelming majority, the trigger-puller shot themselves.

Since the start of 2023, Indianapolis police officials said the trend hasn’t let up, to the point Police Chief Randal Taylor addressed the public in a video urging gun safety.

“Those who possess firearms have a responsibility to use them and handle them safely,” he said.

Friday’s shooting comes roughly a month after a child in Beech Grove got ahold of a firearm in their home. A 4-year-old was seen on live TV waving a gun around at an apartment complex, at one point pointing the gun at his face. An officer asked the child to lead them to where the gun was kept, bringing them to the living room inside a roll-top desk underneath a TV. The gun had 15 rounds in the magazine and none in the chamber, according to court records.

Marion County prosecutors charged the boy’s father, Shane Osborne, with neglect, saying in court records that he endangered the child’s life by leaving him unattended and with a loaded handgun.

As of Friday afternoon, police had not announced an arrest or charges in the 3-year-old's shooting, which happened in the 1600 block of Blankenship Drive on the city's south side.

Rise in accidental shootings has police pushing gun safety

To Indianapolis police, the increase in accidental shootings and the 3-year-old's case, highlight the importance of responsible firearm ownership.

“The message we want to send to gun owners is to take those extra precautionary steps, especially when you have children in the home and to practice good gun safety,” said officer William Young.

Police suggest people treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. For gun owners, they suggest having gun locks and safes. For those who have children, officials said to keep ammunition separate from their firearms. They emphasized that leaving a gun on a high surface, such as a counter or on top of a refrigerator, isn't enough.

“That does not mean a child cannot get to it,” Young said.

Gun bills at the Indiana Statehouse

A number of bills pertaining to gun locks and safety are being weighed in the Indiana Statehouse this session. HB1347 calls for a state income tax credit for gun owners who undergo qualified firearm instruction or buy a proper gun storage device. Another bill, HB1471, requires firearm owners to keep their guns locked and unloaded, and store their ammunition in a separate location. Violators could be charged with a Level 6 felony.

Gun safety was the topic of a recent rally at the Statehouse held by members of the anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action. The attendees on Wednesday met with state lawmakers to gather support for a number of gun safety bills.

“We’re not asking to take your handguns away,” said Becke Bolinger, a gun safety advocate and mother of four. "We’re asking you to lock them up to protect your child and your neighbors.”

Contact Sarah Nelson at 317-503-7514 or sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis boy, 3, shot himself in hand in latest accidental shooting