Crime & Safety

Child Shoots Self, Teen Arrested For Leaving Gun In Her Reach: PGPD

PGPD say a young child shot herself after an 18-year-old left a gun within her reach. He has been arrested and faces several charges.

BOWIE, MD — A young child shot herself Nov. 3 after an 18-year-old Temple Hills man left a gun where she could access it, Prince George's Police said.

Prince George's Police were called to a home in the 600 block of Brookedge Court around 3:50 p.m. for a report of a young child with a gunshot wound. The child was taken to the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery, police said.

The preliminary investigation revealed 18-year-old Elijah Fauntleroy of Temple Hills took the gun into the home and left it unattended in the living room. The child picked up the gun and unintentionally fired one round, shooting herself once. After the shooting, Fauntleroy grabbed the gun and ran from the home.

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The Prince George's Police Department's fugitive unit searched for and arrested Fauntleroy. He has been charged with reckless endangerment and multiple firearms offenses. Anyone with additional information about this case who would like to speak to a detective can call 301-772-8960.

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