WASHINGTON, February 2nd (Sputnik) — According to investigators, the toddler was looking for an iPod, but instead found the loaded weapon. The police believe it was an accident, according to the Associated Press
A single bullet fired from the handgun first hit the father, Justin Reynolds, in the buttocks and then penetrated the right shoulder of the mother, Monique Villescas, who is eight months pregnant. The child’s 2-year-old sister was also present but was unharmed.
The authorities have stated neither injury is fatal.
Reynolds told KOB-TV that he and Villescas were going to order a pizza before they were shot by their son.
"It was like if I was to get up shake your hand and sat back down. That's how fast it happened," Reynolds said. "All of a sudden we heard a gun go off and the next minute I realized my girlfriend was bleeding. Then, I sat down and realized I was shot, too."
Reynolds immediately called 911 and got some towels to stop the bleeding.
"I was more worried about my girlfriend than myself and anything else that was going on. And my son because I didn't know if he had shot himself or not," said Reynolds. "He was shocked and crying. It was traumatizing."
Local police released a statement confirming that Reynolds had been treated, while Villescas, though still in the hospital, is in stable condition.
"This case will be forwarded to the DA's office and pending charges of felony criminal negligence will be reviewed on both parents," said Albuquerque police spokesperson Simon Drobik.
According to the Albuquerque Journal the family was living in a room at the America's Best Value Inn, where the shooting took place.
Jonathan Hutson, spokesperson for the Washington-based Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said the shooting should serve as a reminder to all parents to keep guns locked away securely.
