Nationwide — A tragic accident in Shreveport, Louisiana, has claimed the life of a 12-year-old African American boy named Caiden Smith, who authorities say accidentally shot himself in the chest on the evening of August 9.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of West 74th Street at 8:50 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they learned the young victim had already been rushed to a hospital by private vehicle. Despite efforts to save him, Caiden was pronounced dead at 9 p.m., the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office confirmed.
KSLA News 12 reports that investigators are saying the incident happened while Caiden and his brother were helping clean out their grandmother’s home. The brother told police he heard a loud bang from another room, and when he went to investigate, he found Caiden on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest. He immediately carried his injured brother to a nearby hospital in an attempt to save his life.
Police determined the shooting was accidental, with no signs of foul play. The firearm involved was recovered, and the scene was processed for evidence as the investigation continues.
In a statement, the Shreveport Police Department stressed the importance of firearm safety and secure storage, noting that tragedies like this are preventable. “This heartbreaking incident highlights the critical importance of safe firearm storage and education. Firearms should always be secured and out of reach of children to prevent such tragedies,” the department said.
Authorities are urging all gun owners to take extra precautions, emphasizing that responsible firearm practices can save lives and spare families from devastating loss.
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