A man is dead following an accident involving an unlocked gun and a toddler in Savannah, Georgia.
Police say Dustin Walters was fatally shot by a child who found a gun and pulled the trigger.
The shooting happened around 5:30 p.m. on December 5. Police didn't release details of their investigation until December 14, when the gunman was identified as a child for the first time.
"The preliminary investigation determined that Walters was wounded when a toddler, who was just under 2 years of age, found and fired the handgun, striking Walters," police said in a statement.
Officers quickly responded to the home and Walters was rushed to the hospital, but he died from his injuries.
Police did not say how the child was connected to Walters, or who owns the gun. An obituary indicates Walters had a son.
Police Chief Roy Minter said the shooting has been ruled accidental.
"We grieve along with the Walters family," Minter said in a statement. "As a parent, I cannot imagine what this family is going through or will continue to go through in the coming years. What we want to make sure now is that parents are aware that although rare, these incidents can happen with tragic results. Please take this seriously and take the steps to ensure that you and your family members are safe."
Police urged gunowners to make sure their firearms are secured and not accessible by children. Most police departments offer free gun locks that can be picked up in person.
"If your children frequent a home where there are firearms, have a conversation with those people to make sure that firearms are secured and not accessible," police said. "If your child is old enough, have a conversation about the dangers of firearms and advise the child to never touch a firearm. Also, tell the child to notify an adult know if they find a gun."
It is not clear if any criminal charges will be filed over the shooting.
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