Man Arrested After Toddler Shoots Himself with Handgun Left on Bed

TUCSON, AZ — A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a toddler accidentally shot himself with an unsecured handgun earlier this month.

According to AZ Family, deputies responded to a reported medical emergency on March 3 at a home near Hartman and Linda Vista. Upon arrival, they found a 2-year-old child suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand. A neighbor transported the child to a local hospital for treatment.

Investigators determined that 19-year-old Jeremiah Vaughn had placed a loaded handgun on the end of a bed, allegedly unaware that the child had picked it up. The victim, identified as Vaughn’s half-brother, was able to access the firearm before the negligent discharge occurred.

Vaughn was arrested and charged with domestic violence-child abuse. During his initial court appearance, a judge set his bond at $2,500, despite the state’s request for $50,000, citing what prosecutors called “the height of negligence.” Vaughn is scheduled to appear in court again on March 14. The Arizona Department of Child Safety has been contacted and is involved in the investigation.

This marks at least the third accidental shooting involving a child in the Tucson area this year.

Secure Your Firearms – A Preventable Tragedy

This incident is a tragic yet avoidable reminder of the importance of responsible firearm storage. Leaving a loaded handgun within reach of a child is not just negligent—it can have life-altering consequences. Firearms should always be stored in a locked safe or secured with a trigger lock when not in use. Simple precautions, such as using biometric safes or placing guns out of reach, can prevent accidents like this from happening.

While many gun owners understand these safety measures as common sense, incidents like this prove that not everyone follows them. If you own a firearm, ensure that it is stored safely and responsibly. A moment of carelessness can lead to devastating consequences.