A 2-year-old boy is undergoing surgery after being shot in the abdomen Wednesday afternoon in what authorities believe may have been an accidental shooting.
Akron police responded to the 1500 block of Hyde Park Avenue around 3 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting involving a young child. Officers arrived to find the toddler with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was taken into surgery. His current condition has not been released.
According to police, initial findings suggest the gun was being handled by a 17-year-old male when it discharged, striking the child. Investigators are still working to determine the full circumstances, and officials say the nature of the shooting could change as the investigation develops.
Police detained the 17-year-old believed to have been handling the firearm.
In a possibly related incident, another 17-year-old male arrived at a hospital with a leg injury after being driven there by a private vehicle. Police believe his injury may be connected to the shooting but are still investigating the details.
No further information has been released at this time.
