A two-year-old boy has died after accidentally shooting himself with a firearm he reportedly found hidden between the cushions of a couch at a home in Highland, Southern California.
According to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred on Thursday. Deputies responded to the residence and immediately began life-saving efforts before the child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities said the child’s mother, 20-year-old Jamaria Cobb, and her 52-year-old boyfriend, Armand Bright, were inside the home when the shooting happened. Following a preliminary investigation, both adults were arrested on felony child abuse charges. They are being held on bail set at $1.35 million as the investigation continues.
Police also confirmed that another child was present in the home at the time of the incident and has since been placed in the custody of Child and Family Services. The identity of the deceased child has not been released by authorities.