BRIGHAM CITY — A 9-year-old boy is recovering in a Salt Lake area hospital after being shot Thursday afternoon. The shooting occurred at the boy’s grandparent’s home near 400 S. 300 E. in Brigham City.
Police officers suspect that the boy and a friend were in a basement bedroom playing with a .22 handgun, when it went off. The bullet struck the victim’s head.
Brigham City Police Lt. James Crapse said the gun belonged to the grandparents, who told investigators that they didn’t know how the boy found it.
“They didn’t know how he found the gun or how long he had it,” explained Crapse. “They just know where they had the gun before and where it was supposed to be. Obviously, they found out that the boy had gone into their room and taken the gun downstairs to his own room.”
The boy was transported by ambulance to Brigham City Community Hospital in stable condition. He was later transferred to Primary Children’s Medial Center.
Initial evidence suggests the shooting was accidental. The family and the victim’s friend are all cooperating with police. Investigators are still trying to determine who was handling the firearm when it went off.
Crapse said the family told police Friday morning that the victim is recovering.
“He is still in ICU but he is doing better than he was on Thursday. So we are hopeful that he’ll make a full recovery.”
The boy and his family’s identity are being withheld because he is a juvenile.
will@cvradio.com
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