HAMPTON, Va. — A 2-year-old died in the hospital after police say she "accidentally shot herself."
Around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Hampton police went to the 500 block of Marcella Road after a call about a shooting, according to a recent press release.
When officers arrived at the Bridgewater at Town Center apartments, they found a 2-year-old suffering from a single gunshot wound, and she was taken to a local hospital.
Police said that she died from her injuries.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the 2-year-old was inside the residence when she found the loaded firearm and shot herself, according to a press release.
"I heard a pop and I kind of paid it no mind and then I saw all of the police and the fire trucks come out and I wasn't sure what happened," Aiesha Curry, a neighbor, said. "I actually looked on the Ring App to see what was going on and they said that they saw someone take a child out."
Many neighbors said they are praying for the family and just want gun owners to take the steps necessary to make sure this does not happen again.
"If you're going to own a gun, going to own a firearm, any rifle, or whatever put it up," Curry said. "In a lock box, it could have been prevented."
Police said the Major Crimes Unit is still investigating and did not respond when asked if any charges were pending.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
