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3-Year-Old Shoots Self In Face With Dad's Gun

PONTIAC (WWJ) - Police say a 3-year-old boy was hospitalized after accidentally shooting himself in the face with his father's gun at their home in Pontiac.

Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office say the incident happened around 4:40 p.m. Thursday at a house on J. Hubbard Court, near Whittemore Street.

According to police, the boy was apparently playing in his parents' bedroom where he found his father's 40 cal. Glock in a holster under the bed and shot himself in the mouth.

The boy's parents rushed him to St. Joseph's Hospital for treatment before police arrived at the home. The boy was then transferred to Children's Hospital in Detroit for further treatment and is expected to recover.

Authorities say the boy's injuries and other evidence are consistent with the shooting being an accident.

Police say the boy's 35-year-old father told them he normally keeps the bedroom door locked, but he was moving things out of the room and forgot to lock the bedroom back up.

Although the father is a valid Concealed Pistol License holder and has no criminal history, police said he could be facing charges. The sheriff's office said all evidence will be turned over to the Prosecutors Office once their investigation is complete.

Investigators are urging everyone with a weapon, especially those with children in the household, to keep it locked away.

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