Dale City Man Charged After July 25 Accidental Shooting of Child

Police have arrested and charged Dale City resident Jasmine Darnell Matthews in connection with the , Prince William County police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said. 

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Bureau charged the man on Aug. 8 after consulting the Commonwealth Attorney's Office. 

"The investigation revealed that the accused, the victim’s step-father, had left a loaded handgun in another family member’s unsecured vehicle which was parked in front of the residence. The victim was able to get into the vehicle and found the handgun, which accidentally discharged," Perok said. 

Matthews was charged with cruelty and injuries to children. His court date is unavailable. He was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.

Editor's Note: The above information comes from the Prince William County police department. Where arrests and charges are mentioned it does not indicate a conviction.

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