HARTSVILLE, Ind. — Authorities say a 6-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father at a home in Hartsville Sunday night.
Bartholomew County deputies went to the home in the 200 block of Clinton Street and located James E. Lonaker, 62, with a gunshot wound to his upper body.
Lonaker was flown to the hospital where he died en route.
Investigators say the child picked up an unsecured 38-caliber revolver and fired a shot that struck Lonaker. The victim was apparently sitting at a desk and did not see the child pick up the gun.
Sheriff Matt Myers wants to use the tragic accident as a message to residents who own guns.
“Many firearms accidents in the home can be prevented simply by making sure that firearms are kept unloaded and safely stored, with ammunition secured in a separate location,” said Myers. “Please keep your guns in a secure location out of reach of children.”
Local News Digital’s Steven Harmeyer reports:
