OLYPHANT, PA — A three-year-old girl was shot in Olyphant on Tuesday morning after authorities say she found a loaded gun inside her father's backpack.
Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher confirmed the child sustained a gunshot wound to the inner thigh. She was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, where she underwent surgery. The girl is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive.
The child's father, Kristopher Sherrer, is facing charges in connection with the accidental shooting. According to arrest papers, Sherrer is charged with child endangerment and reckless endangerment.
Police reports indicate Sherrer told authorities the gun, a 9mm pistol of which he is the registered owner, was kept in his backpack. The tragic incident occurred when the young girl reached into the bag and the firearm accidentally discharged.