Three-year-old Shot Inside Car In Chester County, Police Say

CHESTER COUNTY —A three-year-old is in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia this morning being treated for a gunshot wound to the torso after being shot Saturday in a parked car at Caln Plaza Shopping Center.

Caln Township police and Chester County detectives launched a joint investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting.

Caln Police Chief Joseph Elias said he can’t stress enough the importance of responsible gun ownership.

“Always treat firearms as if they are loaded,” Elias said. “Keep your finger away
from the trigger until you’re ready to shoot and don’t depend on any mechanical device for
safety.”

“Be aware of your surroundings when handling a firearm - an accidental discharge can
strike anyone nearby,” he continued. “Keep all firearms, loaded or unloaded, away from children – period.”

Elias said handling any firearm must always be performed carefully with a serious mind and a full grasp of the potential consequences.

According to police:

A child seated in a black vehicle parked in the Caln Plaza Shopping Center was shot in the torso around 11:45 a.m. Satuday. The shot was fired from a 9mm handgun, which was recovered at the scene.

The child’s father, Jameer Walker, 23, of Thorndale, called for help after the firearm discharged.

The child was transported by ambulance to Paoli Hospital, where he was in critical condition.

From there, he was flown to Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia for surgery.

Detectives are investigating conflicting reports regarding the circumstances surrounding shooting.

This is the second accidental discharge of a firearm that resulted in injury in a parking lot in the
township in less than a week.

Earlier in the week, an adult male was struck in the leg when his firearm discharged as he was entering his vehicle in the Rite Aid a parking lot in Thorndale.

Anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting and has information is urged to call the police at 610-383-7000.