A tragic incident in Highland, Southern California, has led to the arrest of a mother and her boyfriend after a two-year-old boy fatally shot himself with a firearm he discovered hidden between couch cushions.
Details of the Incident
According to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to a residence on Thursday following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found the toddler with a gunshot wound and immediately began life-saving measures. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The child's mother, 20-year-old Jamaria Cobb, and her 52-year-old boyfriend, Armand Bright, were both present in the home at the time of the shooting. Following a preliminary investigation, authorities arrested both adults on felony child abuse charges. They are currently being held on bail set at $1.35 million as the investigation continues.
Additional Child Present
Police confirmed that another child was in the home during the incident. That child has since been placed in the custody of Child and Family Services. The identity of the deceased child has not been released by authorities.
The case highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms in homes with children. Authorities urge gun owners to store weapons safely, using gun safes or trigger locks, and to keep ammunition separate to prevent such tragedies.
