Boy Accidentally Shot by Father

Save

Posted: 11:05 PM Oct 11, 2008
Last Updated: 8:51 PM Oct 12, 2008
Reporter: Wendy Enneking
Email Address: wendy.enneking@wkyt.com

14 comments

A | A | A

An 8-year-old Cynthiana boy is being treated at UK hospital for injuries sustained when his father's gun misfired.

It happened Saturday evening at a home on Saltwell Road in Nicholas County. The Nicholas County Sheriff says there was a gathering at the home and that those in attendance were skeet shooting. One man took out a shotgun that hadn't been used for a few years and went to load it. His son then reportedly walked in front of him as he went to close the gun. That's when the gun misfired, striking the boy under his right arm.

Dalton Ward was airlifted to UK hospital. Authorities on scene say he was alert and oriented at the time of transport.

The Nicholas County Sheriff says there are presently no plans to charge the boy's father as he believes this was just a horrible accident.

More Stories
Three Year Old Victim's Family Speaks Out

Ramon Harris Released From Hospital

Closed Auto Parts Factory Has Town Considering Bankruptcy

Whooping Cough On The Rise Statewide

Family Says Mom Didn't Give Alcohol to Teens

Police: Dead Ex-Con Linked To Missing Girl Case

Two Central Kentucky Homes Destroyed By Fire

Investigators Back On Scene Of Industrial Park Fire

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Rick Location: Georgetown on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Joe, I don't see anything in the article that says that it was a childrens party.

Posted by: Joe Location: KY on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Why in the world would adults have skeet shooting at a child's party? Oh yeah I forgot....REDNECKS!

Posted by: Albert on Oct 14, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Its a wonder thier not building the gallows in the center of town.Ky is murder crazy.People here and the state, have a hang them all mentality.

Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Oct 13, 2008 at 03:20 PM
this irresponsible behavior is no different than leaving your kid in a hot car. What were kids doing running around adults on a skeet shooting spree? It was the parent's responsibility to always know the location of the kid -- especially with guns around. Generally rednecks like to say to blame the shooter and not the gun. Now it's not convenient to say that. I pray for the little boy.

Posted by: John Location: Salyersville on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:37 PM
I feel sorry for the entire family.

Posted by: Tina Location: Danville on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I am praying for the childs recovery and also for the father. The devestation this father must be feeling. I can't even imagine what he is going through. God Bless them all.

Posted by: alf Location: wayne county on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:58 AM
why in the world you let a child or any person stand in from of a rifleor hand gun i raise my four children boys and girls gun safty at an early age also my grand children please give safty class to the people that should know better

Posted by: Donna Location: Ky on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:07 AM
I pray for all envolved in this family!!

Posted by: STOP WITH YOUR MOUTH Location: CARLISLE on Oct 13, 2008 at 06:13 AM
You know I sure he didn't mean to have it pointed at anyone so I have to say I'm sure the dad didn't mean it SO shut your all mouth and take it for what it's worth.

Posted by: A Location: L on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:41 AM
It was an accident but one that indeed could have been prevented. Rule no1 never point a gun at anything you dont want to shoot or kill. The man could have aimed it at the ground which is more proper whne he loaded an old and obviously uninspected gun. Every box of bullets says for use in new condition firearms only. But with human error in mind I am sure the father wouldnt have ever hurt his son on purpose and agree with the laws decision. Two wrongs never made a right.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Corbin on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:46 PM
you people need to read a little closer to what is being said. The report said the child walked in front of him as he was closing the weapon. That sounds like to me a kid doing what kids do. so yes it sounds like a accident. I like how alot of you sit at your computer and judge others without knowing the first thing about any of it. He didnt beat him or drug him. so give it a rest. But again I like how you read and just pick out what you want to see and run with it.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Carlisle on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Just a thought...instead of pointing fingers, maybe you should show some compassion to this family for what they are going through. The firing pin malfunctioned. This was a freak accident that could have happend to anyone. I have spoken with the father personally and I can assure you he has enough grief to deal with. God Bless the family.

Posted by: douglas Location: irvine on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:39 PM
thats how we roll, in the hills,

Posted by: A Location: Lexington on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Just another case of a child having to suffer at the hands of an irresponsible adult. What a shame.

Posted by: ME on Oct 12, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Correction Grumpy...misfired means the gun went off before ever pulling the trigger. The sheriff is right and it was a horrible accident.

Posted by: Joe W. Location: Zoe on Oct 12, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Grumpy that's what happens when you do not have spell checker !

Posted by: Joyce Location: Burnside on Oct 12, 2008 at 12:23 PM
You are right, unloaded or loaded guns should never be pointed towards a human. My late husband was very strict with the boys growing up, and he would get furious when parents would let kids point toy guns at people, as he said kids learn from toy guns, and they should be taught to not point towards people. Too many careless people in the world.

Posted by: melinda Location: mount sterling on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:41 AM
this is a tragedy. anyone that has a gun needs to take safety precautions. what if you had shot him in the head, do you watch the news and see this about everyday? i hope the little boy recovers fully and everyone learns from this because it could have been a lot worse.

Posted by: grumpy on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:25 PM
what happend here you never even pount a unloaded gun toward any one people need to be trained in safe handeling of fire arms before they own one news said it misfired no it fired

	Rental Guide Video tours to help you find your next apartment.

	Holiday Gift Guide Looking for great gift ideas??

	Happy Hour Deals Save 50% from local merchants.

	Desktop Alert Download weather alerts to your computer desktop.

	Classifieds THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.

	Experts Got a question? Ask our Health Experts.

	WKYT Archives Looking for a video clip?

	Everyday Heroes Is someone you know a hero?

	Crime Find out how Ray Larson is stopping crime.

	Crimestoppers Help bring criminals to justice.

WKYT Mobile