DETROIT (WWJ) -- An 8-year-old boy is fighting for his life in a hospital after it's believed he either shot himself, or was shot by another child in Detroit home.
The tragic incident happened at around noon on Tuesday, according to police, inside a home 14800 block of Snowden St. on the city's west side.
Detroit Police Chief James White said the 8-year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was in "extremely critical condition," undergoing surgery later in the afternoon.
What investigators know, White said, is that there were four children in the home, between the ages of 1 and 8 years old.
It is believed that one of the children picked up a gun that wasn't locked up, and shot the 8-year-old. It's not clear at this time if the child shot himself, White said, or whether it was one of the other kids who pulled the trigger.
White said that all of this is preliminary information and it could change as more is learned about the case.
What is clear, the chief stressed, is that we have seen far too many incidents like this one.
White noted that Child Protectives Services has been out to this home before, as recently as a few weeks ago, "to investigate the conduct of those who live in this home as it relates to being able to take care of the children."
"This is a very, very tragic and sad situation," the chief said. "We've been here too many times, and here we are again, where it did not have to happen. We did not have to have another young child in our community shot, and we should be sick and appalled by it, and absolutely tired of it."
He urged everyone who owns a gun to lock up their weapon if there are kids around.
"And everybody who's gun-obsessed, or just wants to exercise their rights to have a gun should understand the responsibility of having a gun when you have children in the home," White added.
"Everybody's gotta have a zillion guns and be tough, but what's tough is when you've got a child that's been shot like this one that's fighting for their lives."
White said there were four adults in the home when the shooting occurred. But, allegedly, he said all of them were sleeping — at noon on a Tuesday.
"We're looking into that right now," White told reporters. "None of that really makes sense, but maybe it's possible. We'll find out."
It is unclear who owns the gun.
At this point, White said the weapon used has not been recovered.
Also of concern, White said it took half-an-hour for someone in the home to call 911 after the child was shot.
"We're very concerned why no adult took the child to the hospital," White said. "We're very concerned why it took 30 minutes, and we've very concerned about where the gun is."
White said his department is working on getting a search warrant, as the investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, it will be referred to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for potential charges.
Detroit residents and all gun owners are strongly urged by authorities to always keep their firearms locked up and out of the hands of children. Detroit Police and other police departments offer gun locks for free. Check with your local precinct or police department for information.