A four-year-old boy was critically injured on Thursday morning after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound while in his home in Vernal. According to the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were called to the home on the morning of January 25th on the report of a child suffering from a gunshot wound. “Sheriff detectives investigating the incident believe the boy, who was home with other family members at the time, climbed a set of shelves in a bedroom closet where he gained access to a loaded handgun,” shares the Sheriff’s Office. “At some point, the child discharged the handgun, striking himself in the chest.” Emergency crews reached the scene within minutes and the boy was transported to Ashley Regional Medical Center where he was treated before being airlifted by medical helicopter to Salt Lake City. As of Thursday night the child was in stable condition, shares the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains underway.
