PA - Gavin Thompson, 5, dies after finding loaded gun, Liberty, 26 Nov 2010

[passionflower]

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2010/11/26/boy-shot-liberty-borough/

4 year old played with Officer's gun. How did he get dad's gun?

 

[drip~drop]

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2010/11/26/boy-shot-liberty-borough/

4 year old played with Officer's gun. How did he get dad's gun?

Huh? The 4yo found the supposed to be secret place, dragged a chair or step stool over there and managed to not only get it but to shoot it?

When I was dating a leo, I had opportunity to handle his police gun and it was very heavy. First time I fired a gun, I ended up on my butt.:waitasec:

 

[passionflower]

KDKA.com

On locl TV.........4 hours after baby died.
Dad is on facebook.
"R.I.P. son, I will always love you."
dad wrote...........dad off duty for funeral.

 

[Missizzy]

Do we not have a thread on this tragic case? I've searched both names and nothing comes up and yet the shooting occurred in late November. This home had several guns and it does not sound like children's safety was always considered. Hiding anything dangerous where one hides snacks and Christmas presents is not a wise idea. Kids are far too smart. They know where the goodies are.

Rest in peace, little Gavin.....


http://www.wtae.com/news/25926950/detail.html

Cop Surrenders After Son, 5, Shoots Self With His Gun

Death Of Gavin Thompson Under Investigation In Liberty


"PITTSBURGH -- A suburban police officer in Allegheny County surrendered Wednesday afternoon to face charges connected to the death of his young son, who investigators believe accidentally killed himself with the officer's gun.

John Thompson is a part-time police officer in the small southern borough of Liberty and a police officer in nearby Port Vue. He was arraigned on charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of children, according to the criminal complaint.

The victim, 5-year-old Gavin Thompson, was shot at home on F Street in Liberty on Nov. 26, according to Allegheny County homicide detectives who have been handling the investigation. In the complaint, police said the boy climbed onto a chair near his parents' bedroom closet and grabbed his father's duty weapon and accidentally shot himself in the head...."

more at link

 

[OkieGranny]

From January 2012:

http://www.wtae.com/Police-Officer-Not-Guilty-In-Son-s-Shooting-Death/12281480

John Thompson, of the borough of Liberty, had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of children. Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning acquitted him on Wednesday morning after a nonjury trial.

Defense attorney Anthony DeLuca told the judge that Thompson -- who did not testify -- is devastated financially and emotionally and would lose his livelihood if convicted of a felony...

On Monday, a county police officer testified that Thompson said he kept snacks and cakes in the closet with the guns. The officer also testified that Gavin had a problem with wanting sweets and had an interest in his father's guns. Prosecutors said that made the closet desirable to the boy.