Shooting of Youngstown child ruled accidental

After a child got access to a handgun sitting on a nightstand in his home on McBride street, he accidentally shot himself.

"The child, he just grabbed the gun from his uncle room and he thought it was a play gun, like a toy," said Luis Hernandez, stepfather of the victim.

The family was in total shock as the child had to undergo two surgeries to make it through this.

"I feel terrible," said Hernandez. "I can't even say words right, thinking about that little boy because you know, he's my, I got him since he was two years old, now he's four," he said.

Youngstown's mayor and police chief reiterated the importance of gun safety in a press conference at their police station, Tuesday at noon.

"And this is our message. If you own a gun, make sure you have it locked and secure," said Tito Brown, Youngstown Mayor. "Away from all of young children, even adults," he said.

The Youngstown Police Department is trying to make that easy by finding ways to get gun locks distributed to the community.

"Project child safe in conjunction with the Youngstown Police Department provides these locks free of charge to city residents you know," said Jason Simon, YPD Captain. "For us, and we're happy to pass them out, contact the chief's office and we'll be happy to give one to your family," he said.

Youngstown police will continue to investigate and take down more statements before deciding if criminal charges are warranted.

The child is in stable condition, recovering.