Negligent Storage Shootings
#SafeStorageSavesLives
Every year, far too many Tennessee kids are injured or killed when they or another child gains easy access to loaded, unsecured guns. In most cases, these shooting incidents are accidental. We track all accidental or unintentional shootings but these we classify differently as they are the direct result of an irresponsible gun owner not storing firearms safely according to NRA, NSSF, AAP, and the Department of Safety guidelines. In each one of these cases, a child pulled the trigger that injured or killed themselves or another child. Every one of these incidents was #NotAnAccident and was 100% preventable.
We have been tracking these shootings since January 2015 and will keep a running tally of the numbers to date. You can also search our Unintentional Shootings Database and review “storage-related”incidents.
We also track incidents where adults are injured by juveniles with access to loaded guns.
SINCE JANUARY 2015**
Total incidents: 122
Injuries to children: 67
Injuries to adults: 8
Incidents with no injury: 2
Fatalities: 45
**Safe Tennessee Project began tracking these incidents 1/2015
2020 YEAR TO DATE
Total incidents: 10
Injuries to children: 4
Injuries to adults: 0
Fatalities: 6
No injury: 0
Last updated: 7/15/2020
2019 Incidents - Total Incidents: 25 | Injuries to children: 14 | Injuries to adults: 2 | Fatalities: 8 | No Injury: 1
2018 Incidents - Total Incidents: 14 | Injuries to children: 5 | Injuries to adults: 4 | Fatalities: 4 | No Injury: 1
2017 Incidents - Total Incidents: 31 | Injuries to children:18 | Injuries to adults: 0 | Fatalities: 13 | No Injury: 0
2016 Incidents - Total Incidents: 22 | Injuries to children: 14 | Injuries to adults: 2 |Fatalities: 6 | No Injury: 0
2015 Incidents - Total Incidents: 21 | Injuries to children: 12 | Injuries to adults: 0 | Fatalities: 9 | No Injury: 0
A 4-year-old boy fatally shot his 2-year-old sibling with an unsecured gun found in their home. The shooting occurred while the parents were home. No word on whether not charges will be filed.
https://smokeybarn.com/toddler-dies-following-accidental-shooting-at-the-shackle-island-fire-station/
June 12, 2020 - East Ridge - Injury
According to police, a teenager unintentionally shot himself and was transported to a hospital. His condition is unknown. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wrcbtv.com/story/42242868/east-ridge-police-investigating-shooting-on-sunray-drive
April 23, 2020 - Ooltewah - Fatality
A 3-year-old picked up a loaded gun he found in his home and fatally shot himself in the chest with it. The gun, later determined to be stolen, was brought to the home by a 19-year-old family friend who left it accessible to the toddler The gun owner faces multiple charges.
March 13, 2020 - Memphis - Fatality
A 13-year-old gained access to an unsecured firearm and shot a 9-year-old child with it. The younger child did not survive. The 13-year-old and the 26-year-old gun owner have been charged with negligent homicide.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/03/14/year-old-charged-fatal-northeast-memphis-shooting/
February 23, 2020 - Memphis - Fatality
A 16-year-old was fatally shot by a 17-year-old friend who was handling a loaded gun. The older teen has been charged with reckless homicide. It is not clear why the teens had access to a firearm.
https://wreg.com/news/one-critically-hurt-after-shooting-in-southeast-shelby-county/
February 22, 2020 - Nashville - Injury
A 13-year-old boy was shot in the neck by another juvenile in what police described as an unintentional shooting. It is not clear why the children had access to a firearm or if any charges will be filed.
http://fox17.com/news/local/metro-police-responding-to-shooting-on-albion-street-in-nashville
February 16, 2020 - Memphis - Injury
A 13-year-old was playing with his 24-year-old cousin’s gun, which he believed to be unloaded. He pulled the trigger and the gun fired, striking his 11-year-old brother. When police arrived, they found the 13-year-old holding his brother. The adult gun owner and the 13-year-old have been charged.
https://wreg.com/news/child-hurt-in-shooting-at-whitehaven-apartment-complex/
February 11, 2020 - LaFollette - Injury
A 13-year-old boy was sitting on the passenger side of his parents’ vehicle when he took a 9 mm handgun from the dashboard and accidentally shot himself. The bullet entered his left hand and leg. No word on whether or not charges will be filed.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/police-teen-accidentally-shots-himself-with-gun-left-in-dashboard-of-parents-car/51-b95adba3-2607-4cf2-a0a1-ce5643c00c0b
February 1, 2020 - Jackson -Fatality
A 5-year-old shot and killed himself with a gun he found in his father’s car. The boy was left in the car at a gas station while his father argued with another person. Police are investigating. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2020/02/01/jpd-investigates-accidental-shooting-death-of-child/
Section 1
2019 Year End
Total incidents: 25
Injuries to children: 14
Injuries to adults: 2
Fatalities: 8
No injury: 1
An 11-year-old child unintentionally shot and killed himself with a loaded gun found in his home. No word on who the gun belonged to, or whether or not charges will be filed.
https://wreg.com/2019/11/30/11-year-old-dead-after-accidental-shooting/
A 9-year-old unintentionally shot a 4-year-old sibling in the face on Sunday. The child was airlifted to the hospital and is expected to recover. No word on how the children had access to a loaded firearm or whether any charges will be filed.
A 3-year-old suffered a “very critical head wound” after he was shot at a Nashville residence. The circumstances are unclear, but it appears the child may have shot himself. The gun involved in the shooting was reported stolen from a vehicle last year.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2019/09/09/nashville-police-respond-reports-toddler-shot-madison/2263829001/
A 5-year-old unintentionally shot themselves. It is not clear how the child gained access to the firearm. The child was hospitalized with non-critical injuries.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/police-child-5-accidentally-shot-in-whitehaven/984201084
A 4-year-old little girl found a loaded gun under her father’s pillow and shot her 8-year-old brother with it. The boy later died. Initial reports indicated the boy shot himself, but authorities later determined the younger child shot him. The father was charged with reckless homicide and felony drug charges.
https://www.scdag.com/news/item/1890-father-indicted-in-young-son-s-shooting-death
A 4-year-old shot himself in the head with a gun he picked up in his home. His father was charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36174142/boy-4-dies-after-accidentally-shooting-himself/
August 9, 2019 - Memphis - Injury
A 4-year-old child was shot in the neck when a gun she was playing with discharged. Her father and three other siblings were present at the time. It was not clear how the child gained access to the weapon or whether charges would be filed.
July 22, 2019 - Nashville - Injury
A 2-year-old shot himself in the arm with his father’s gun, which was left unattended. The injury is not considered life-threatening.
https://www.wkrn.com/news/police-2-year-old-accidentally-shot-self-with-fathers-gun-in-nashville/
July 13, 2019 - Memphis -Injury
July 10, 2019 - Memphis - Child - Injury
Several boys were handling a gun while sitting in a car. A 12-year-old unintentionally pulled the trigger and shot his 15-year-old friend in the chest. The 15-year-old was seriously injured. The 12-year-old has been charged with reckless endangerment. It is not clear how the boys had access to the gun.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/12-year-old-charged-after-teen-shot-in-frayser-neighborhood-police-say/965831077
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/06/25/man-arrested-after-toddler-shot-killed-by-year-old-brother/
A 17-year-old was handling a gun when it fired, hitting an 18-year-old in the face. Five people were at home at the time, including a grandmother, a woman, and three young men. The teen with the gun ran away. At this time, investigators believe the gunfire was accidental.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-shot-in-the-face-in-accidental-gunfire-at-nashville/article_42061768-8fdb-11e9-9b89-cb044592cec3.html
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2019/06/11/accidental-shooting-injures-juvenile/
A 9-year-old child was handling a gun when it discharged, grazing his finger. The injury required hospitalization. No word on how he had access to a loaded gun. No charges have been filed.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/child-accidentally-shoots-himself-at-home-ruled-non-critical/953800054
Two juveniles were playing with a gun when it discharged, striking one of the children. The victim was taken to the hospital and seriously hurt, but police do not believe the wounds are life-threatening.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/kpd-child-seriously-hurt-after-he-was-shot-while-playing-with-a-gun/51-43add60a-4065-48d8-a4b1-82f2d48a5865
A 7-year-old boy gained access to a loaded gun and unintentionally shot his 9-year-old brother. He was transported to the hospital where he later died. Police are investigating how two kids under the age of 11 had access to a loaded firearm.
https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/police-memphis-boy-dies-after-being-accidentally-shot-by-7-year-old-brother/2029193747
May 25, 2019 - Memphis - No Injury
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2019/05/14/accidental-shooting-usa-stadium-millington-tigers-baseball/3673887002/
https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2019/05/14/chrisaiah-arrington-jackson-toddler-shoots-self/3664667002/
May 11, 2019 - Nashville - Fatality
A 15-year-old was pulling the slide back on a pistol when it discharged. The bullet struck his 16-year-old friend in the head, killing him. The 15-year-old was charged with reckless homicide.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-killed-in-accidental-antioch-shooting-suspect-charged-with-reckless/article_8dddf50a-738b-11e9-b27b-8b84c79f4aa7.html
April 29, 2019 - Jackson - Injury
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2019/05/01/monday-shooting-ruled-accidental/
March 24, 2019 - Memphis - Injury
A 4-year-old found a gun under a bed in the home, began playing with it and unintentionally fired it. He was grazed by the bullet. The boy was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. No changes have been filed.
https://wreg.com/2019/03/24/police-4-year-old-grazed-by-bullet-after-playing-with-gun/
March 20, 2019 - Memphis - Injury
Memphis police are investigating after a juvenile shot himself in the leg. It is not clear how he got ahold of the gun or what happened before the trigger was pulled.
https://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/juvenile-shoots-himself-in-leg-police-investigating/932260759
February 18, 2019 - Jackson - Injury
A 16-year-old was unintentionally shot by a juvenile relative. The victims injuries were serious. He was last listed in critical conditions. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wbbjtv.com/2019/02/19/16-year-old-critical-after-accidental-shooting-in-east-jackson/
January 10, 2019 - Nashville - Fatality
A 16-year-old unintentionally shot himself in the hip and did not survive. There is no word on how the teen had access to the gun. Police are investigating. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/teen-dies-after-accidental-shooting-at-madison-apartment-complex/article_12732236-151d-11e9-8bc9-9f82d02e48f8.html
2018 Year End
Total incidents: 14
Injuries to children: 7
Injuries to adults: 2
Fatalities: 4
No injury: 1
November 24, 2019 - Knoxville - Injury
A 17-year-old was brandishing a gun in a car with his friends when it fired, shooting a 15-year-old boy. The 17-year-old alleged shooter faces charges of aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon. The 18-year-old driver of the car was also charged with one felony count of tampering with evidence.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2018/11/27/teen-charged-north-knox-shooting-similar-thanksgiving-day-incident/2125010002/
October 21, 2018 - Lawrence County - Fatality
A 10-year-old girl was shot in the head by her twin brother Sunday in Lawrence County as the two sat in a car outside a dollar store. The girl was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition and later died. Police are investigating whether another adult was in the car. No charges have been filed.
https://www.wsmv.com/news/year-old-girl-dies-after-accidental-shooting-in-lawrence-county/article_b9be7dc0-d575-11e8-bb15-77253a206d86.html
August 31, 2018 - Coffee County - Fatality
A 17-year-old was at home with his siblings and grandfather and was “playing” with a gun when he unintentionally shot himself in the head. He was transported to Unity Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
https://www.manchestertimes.com/news/local/coffee-county-senior-dies-after-accidentally-shooting-self-authorities-say/article_1c8e9390-adee-11e8-a1d1-97fdd46301cd.html
August 8, 2018 - LaFollette - Fatality
A 10-year-old unintentionally shot his 9-year-old sister in the head while the two were sitting in a car in a shopping center parking lot. She was flown to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/victim-injured-in-accidental-shooting-at-lafollette-shopping-center/1355445963
July 25, 2018 - Nashville - Injury
A 3-year-old found a loaded gun in his home and unintentionally shot his mother’s boyfriend in the back with it.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/07/25/nashville-3-year-old-boy-shot-mothers-boyfriend-police-probe/838531002/
July 4, 2018 - Morristown - Injury
A 15-year-old girl was visiting a home when she found a .380 handgun, unintentionally discharged it, and hit an 18-year-old man in the neck. His injuries were not life-threatening. The girl fled and was later charged with reckless endangerment. It is not clear who the gun belonged to or why it was left unsecured.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/teen-accused-of-reckless-endangerment-after-accidental-shooting-in-morristown/51-570767141
June 19, 2018 - Knox County - Injury
A 13-year-old and a 16-year-old were target shooting with a .22-rifle in a backyard when a bullet fired by the younger child struck a 63-year-old neighbor who was driving a golf cart nearby in the stomach. The 13-year-old is now in custody. It is not clear why was a 13-year-old was allowed to target shoot without adult supervision or who the rifle belongs to.
https://www.wate.com/news/local-news/knox-county-teen-in-custody-after-hitting-woman-with-bullet-in-stomach/1245612322
June 11, 2018 - Memphis - Fatality
A 12-year-old girl has died after she was shot with an unsecured gun while inside her parent’s SUV at a Frayser apartment complex. It is not yet clear whether the girl unintentionally shot herself or if she was shot by another child that was in the car.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/crime/2018/06/12/11-year-old-girl-fights-life-after-shot-frayser-apartment/693688002/
June 9, 2018 - Claiborne County - Injury
A 2-year-old shot himself in the head in Clairborne county. The toddler was airlifted to the hospital and underwent surgery. No charges will be filed.
https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/no-charges-pending-for-parents-of-boy-shot-in-the-head-boy-doing-fine-claiborne-co-sheriff-says/51-562862239
May 16, 2018 - Memphis - Injury
A 10-year-old who was shot in a Memphis park was unintentionally shot by a 15-year-old. The teen pulled out the gun and it discharged. The 10-year-old’s injuries are not life threatening. The teen has been charged with reckless endangerment and possession of a handgun by a juvenile.
http://wreg.com/2018/05/16/police-juvenile-shot-in-cherokee-park-one-suspect-detained/
May 11, 2018 - Sequatchie County - No injury
A 5-year-old boy in Sequatchie County got a loaded, unsecured pistol from his mother’s car Friday morning and, while playing with a younger child in his front yard, fired the pistol twice into the ground and then dropped the gun. The mother was home at the time but not supervising the children Police do not plan to charge the mother.
http://wcyb.com/news/local/report-5-year-old-tennessee-boy-takes-moms-pistol-fires-two-shots
February 22, 2018 - Jackson - Injury
A juvenile had a gun and accidentally shot another juvenile. The child who was shot has injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Investigators are still working to determine how the juvenile got the gun.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2018/02/22/juvenile-injured-accidental-shooting-jackson/
February 15, 2018 - Humboldt - Injury
A 15-year-old was playing with a gun when it discharged, hitting his 14-year-old friend. The 15-year-old, from Humboldt, has been charged with reckless aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. No word on how the boys had access to a loaded firearm.
http://www.wbbjtv.com/2018/02/16/15-year-old-charged-accidental-shooting-humboldt/
Section 3
2017 Year End
Total incidents: 31
Injuries to children: 18
Injuries to adults: 0
Fatalities: 13
November 25, 2017 - Memphis - FATALITY
A 13-year-old boy was at a friend’s house playing basketball when he was unintentionally shot and killed. His 13-year-old friend was charged with reckless homicide. No adults have been charged. No word on who the gun belonged to or why that person was not charged.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36926363/13-year-old-killed-in-shooting-friend-in-custody
November 12, 2017 - Desden - FATALITY
A sixth grader was fatally shot while at a friend’s house. The boys were in the living room when a pistol went off, killing the victim. It is not clear who pulled the trigger or how the boys had access to the gun. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wenkwtpr.com/2017/11/13/dresden-6th-grader-killed-in-accidental-shooting/
November 10, 2017 - Memphis - FATALITY
A man laid an infant and his gun on a bed and left them unattended. The 3-year-old sibling of the infant found the gun and discharged it, killing the baby. The gun owner took his gun and ran but later turned himself in. was arrested and charged him with criminally negligent homicide, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and tampering with evidence.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36813231/infant-shot-in-critical-condition
November 7, 2017 - Knoxville - Injury
A 16-year-old was in a car with friends and unintentionally shot himself He was taken to the hospital in serious condition. It is not clear why the teen had a loaded gun. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wbir.com/article/news/crime/teen-injured-in-accidental-shooting-near-west-town-mall/51-490079957
October 23, 2017 - Springfield - Injury
A teenager and her friends were at a Sonic Drive-In when she heard a shot and realized she had been shot in the chest. Investigators report that one of her friends was playing with a loaded revolver when it unintentionally discharged. No word on whether charges will be filed or why the teenager had access to a loaded handgun.
http://wkrn.com/2017/10/22/springfield-teenager-injured-in-accidental-shooting/
October 18, 2017 - Memphis - Injury
A 15-year-old girl was unintentionally shot in the mouth and critically injured by her brother. Police say the girl’s brother asked to see her boyfriend’s pistol and put his finger on the trigger not knowing the safety was off. The bullet went through the house’s front door, hitting the teen’s 15-year-old sister in the mouth. The teenage boy was taken into custody.
http://wreg.com/2017/10/18/teen-playing-with-gun-shoots-his-sister-in-the-face/
October 13, 2017 - Nashville - Injury
A 14-year-old boy unintentionally shot himself in the upper thigh. Authorities said it appeared the boy had been playing with the gun when it discharged.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/juvenile-injured-in-reported-accidental-shooting
October 8, 2017 – Memphis – FATALITY
An 8-year-old boy fatally shot himself with a loaded gun his father had placed under some covers on a bed near the boy and another child. The father was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/man-charged-in-deadly-accidental-shooting-of-8-year-old-boy-sunday/795133604
October 4, 2017 - Cookeville - Injury
A 16-year-old was injured from what’s reported to be an unintentional gunshot wound to the leg.
http://herald-citizen.com/stories/teen-injured-in-reported-accidental-shooting,23603
September 6, 2017 - Hixson - Injury
While left unsupervised with a loaded gun, a 3-year-old child unintentionally shot themselves. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. No word on whether charges will be filed.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/36305905/hamilton-co-sheriffs-office-investigating-shooting-in-hixson
September 5, 2017 - Memphis - Injury
A 11-year old boy found a gun at his bus stop, picked it up and unintentionally shot himself in the hand.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2017/09/05/police-respond-to-child-shooting-memphis/632381001/
September 2, 2017 - Springfield - FATALITY
A 17-year-old boy unintentionally and fatally shot himself in a vehicle. Police report he died of a single gunshot from a semi-automatic handgun. The magazine had been removed but there was still a bullet in the chamber. No charges have been filed.
http://smokeybarn.com/springfield-police-teens-shooting-death-ruled-accidental/
August 20, 2017 - Memphis - FATALITY
An 8-year-old boy shot himself in his home. He was taken the hospital where he later died. The boy’s father had placed a loaded handgun on a bed near the victim and another child. The victim was taken the hospital where he later died. The father was later arrested after marijuana was found in the home.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/top-stories/8-year-old-child-dead-after-shooting-in-southeast-memphis/595642288
August 19, 2017 - Memphis - FATALITY
A 4-year-old boy in Memphis shot himself and was in very critical condition. Not long after, he died. The boy’s father was charged with reckless homicide.
http://wreg.com/2017/08/19/self-inflicted-gun-shot-leaves-toddler-in-critical-condition/
August 18, 2017 - Memphis - INJURY
A 4-year-old chid was home with two other children and their father when she picked up a gun and shot herself with it. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No word on how she accessed the gun or if charges will be filed.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/36170855/girl-4-critical-after-accidental-shooting-on-egan-drive
July 8, 2017 - Memphis - FATALITY
A 3-year-old gained access to his father’s loaded, unsecured gun and fatally shot himself with it. The father kept the gun in a case, but the 3-year-old was still able to pick up the gun and pull the trigger. No word on whether charges will be fired.
http://wreg.com/2017/07/08/a-3-year-old-accidentally-shoots-himself-officials-say/
July 8, 2017 - Greeneville - FATALITY
A 17-year-old was holding a gun in his home when it unintentionally discharged and killed him.
http://wjhl.com/2017/07/09/17-year-old-dies-after-accidental-shooting-in-greene-county/
July 7, 2017 - Nashville - INJURY
A 15-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the foot with a shotgun. Witnesses report that other teens were present. The boy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
http://wkrn.com/2017/07/07/nashville-teenager-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-foot/
July 5, 2017 - Memphis - INJURY
A 12-year-old girl and her 11-year-old brother were playing with a gun at their home. The boy unintentionally fired a shot, hitting his sister in the leg. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No word on whether charges will be filed.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35818513/brother-accidentally-shoots-12-year-old-sister-in-leg
June 23, 2017 - Memphis - INJURY
A 14-year-old child unintentionally shot himself just after midnight Friday morning, according to Memphis Police Department. The child was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in non-critical condition.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35732981/child-shot-near-covington-pike-stage-road
June 21, 2017 - Memphis - INJURY
A 15-year-old unintentionally shot himself at a house. His condition is unknown.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/35717755/mpd-teen-accidentally-shoots-self-at-whitehaven-home
June 5, 2017 - Nashville - FATALITY
A 2-year-old unintentionally shot their 7-year-old cousin. The girl was taken to the hospital where she passed away. Police have not yet indicated whether charges will be filed.
http://wkrn.com/2017/06/06/police-toddler-shoots-cousin-inside-home-south-of-downtown/
May 17, 2017 - Nashville - INJURY
A man was bathing his children around 2am. He took his 1-year-old out of the bath tub, placed him on a bed and left the room, The child found a loaded gun and fired it, grazing his face.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/35448327/toddler-shot-in-face-at-east-nashville-apartment
May 15, 2017 - Nashville - INJURY
A 3-year-old child was staying with a man and his wife when he found a loaded, unsecured gun in a bedroom and fired it, striking himself in the foot.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/report-of-shooting-prompts-heavy-police-response
May 5, 2017 - Chattanooga - INJURY
A 10-year-old boy was playing with his parent’s 9mm Glock handgun as he talked to a friend on his computer when he discharged the gun and shot himself in the arm.
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/police-report-10-year-old-accidentally-shot-himself-with-his-parents-gun
April 14, 2017 - Memphis - INJURY
Four boys, two brothers, and two cousins were home alone when they found a small-caliber handgun. The 13-year-old boy started playing with the gun and accidentally shot his 12-year-old cousin. The gun was left unsecured, and there were no parents at home.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/shelby-county-deputies-respond-to-reports-of-12-year-old-possibly-shot/692152162
April 9, 2017 - Chattanooga - FATALITY
A 13-year-old boy was shot in the head in his home in Chattanooga. Another boy in the house, who was 16, called 911. Police found no evidence that the shooting was “anything other than an accident.” The boy later died as a result of his injuries.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2017/apr/09/13-year-old-hospitalized-after-accidental-shooting/422016/
March 24, 2017 - Nashville - INJURY
Three teenagers were in a car when a 13-year-old was shot in the leg by someone else in the vehicle.
http://wkrn.com/2017/03/24/13-year-old-injured-in-accidental-shooting/
February 26, 2017 - Perry County - FATALITY
A 13-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by a 12-year-old relative as the two children were in a bedroom playing with a handgun taken from a family member’s backpack. The victim was taken to Perry County Hospital where he died from his injuries.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34609415/12-year-old-shot-and-killed-in-perry-county
February 20, 2017 - Memphis - INJURY
A 4-year-old was unintentionally shot by his brother. The brother was playing with the gun and dropped it, causing it to discharge. The children’s grandmother claims she fired a gun to intimidate people she said had shot into her home. She said she put the gun “back into the box but forgot to lock it.”
http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/4-year-old-child-shot-in-north-memphis/495654841
January 17, 2017 - Cocke County - FATALITY
The mother of a 12-year-old boy called EMS to report that her son had shot himself. Upon arrival, EMS tried to revive the child but he did not survive.
http://wate.com/2017/01/18/tbi-investigates-death-of-cocke-county-12-year-old/http://wate.com/2017/01/18/tbi-investigates-death-of-cocke-county-12-year-old/
Section 2
2016 YEAR END
Total incidents: 22
Injuries to children: 14
Injuries to adults: 2
Fatalities: 6
January 17, 2017 - Springfield - INJURY
A 5-year-old found a handgun in a bedroom and fired it, striking the child’s 9-year-old cousin in the arm. No charges have been filed.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/9-year-old-shot-in-the-arm-by-5-year-old
December 27, 2016 - Mt. Juliet - INJURY
Three teens were at one of the boy’s homes. One of the boys visiting the home brought a firearm. As the boys were handling the gun, it discharged, striking the boy who lived in the home in the neck. He was life-flighted to Vanderbilt, treated, and was later released.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/teen-shot-in-neck-after-playing-with-gun
December 20, 2016 - Knoxville - FATALITY
While their parents were not home, a 13-year-old boy INTENTIONALLY and fatally shot his 12-year-old brother. The 13-year-old was charged with first-degree murder.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/kpd-13-year-old-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-younger-brother/376050323
November 26, 2016 - McMinnville - FATALITY
A 17-tear-old girl was sitting across from her 13-year-old brother when the .223 rifle he was unloading discharged, striking her. The boy called 911 and dispatchers attempted to talk the 13-year-old through performing CPR, but the girl was pronounced dead by first responders. No word on the where the parents were or who the gun belonged to.
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/mcminn-county-teen-dies-after-accidental-shooting/356287589
October 2, 2016 – Nashville - INJURY
A 16-year-old was shot on the 3400 block of Dupre Street, according to Memphis police. Officers said the shooting happened just before 8 p.m. The victim and friends where handling the weapon, the gun fired and the victim was hit in the abdomen. The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/16-year-old-critically-injured-in-accidental-shooting
September 25, 2016 – Nashville - INJURY
A car pulled up to a residence in Donelson. A 2-year-old child that doesn’t live at the residence was able to pick up a loaded gun from a door pocket of the car and fire the gun, striking a 12-year-old in the hip. The child was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle, according to police, can legally carry the firearm, but does not have a carry permit.
August 30, 2016 - Nashville - INJURY
A 3-year-old gained access to his father’s loaded, unsecured gun and shot himself in the hand. He was taken to the hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. The gun belonged to the child’s father who is a security guard and a licensed gun permit holder.
http://wkrn.com/2016/08/30/metro-police-flagged-down-by-driver-after-3-year-old-shot-in-hermitage/
July 10, 2016 – Lawrence County - INJURY
An Amish boy was unintentionally shot with a .22 rifle by another Amish boy while the two were playing. The victim was taken to Vanderbilt for treatment.
http://fox17.com/news/local/two-amish-boys-involved-in-accidental-shooting-victim-taken-to-vanderbilt
July 3, 2016 – East Ridge - FATALITY
17-year-old Alana Luangaphy was visiting the home of a family member. She was showing off a gun to a cousin. She unloaded all but one round and put the gun to her head. As the cousin yelled at her tried to grab the gun, she shot herself in the right side of the head.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/32365817/update-teen-accidentally-shoots-and-kills-herself-in-east-ridge
July 1, 2016 - Clarksville - FATALITY
A 3-year-old toddler fatally shot himself in the face with a .40 caliber pistol. The child was visiting from Fort Riley, Kansas, with his family. The gun belonged to the homeowner.
http://wkrn.com/2016/07/01/child-injured-in-accidental-shooting-in-clarksville/
June 7, 2016 - Lawrenceburg - INJURY
A Lawrence County boy is in the critical care unit at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville after he was accidentally shot in the chest with a BB gun. Caleb Young, 10, was shot in the chest at close range Tuesday night while outside shooting with the BB gun with another boy.
http://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/child-critical-after-being-accidentally-shot-with-bb-gun/article_478517ce-6700-5bc1-86d7-7cc45c610629.html
May 26, 2016 - Murfreesboro - INJURY
A boy who was cleaning a rifle he thought was unloaded unintentionally fired it. The bullet struck his father in the leg. He was airlifted to Vanderbilt. His condition is unknown.
http://wkrn.com/2016/05/26/boy-accidentally-shoots-dad-in-leg-while-working-on-rifle/
May 12, 2016 – Memphis - INJURY
An 18-year-old was unintentionally shot in the chest as she got ready for prom. A 17-year-old friend was “playing around with a gun” when it went off, shooting the young woman and leaving her in critical condition. The 17-year-old was charged with aggravated assault.
http://www.fox13memphis.com/news/mpd-teen-arrested-after-shooting-18-year-old-girl-in-chest/280437725
May 7, 2016 - Smyrna - INJURY
A 2-year-old child was able to gain access to a loaded gun and accidentally shot herself. She was Life-Flighted to Vanderbilt and is expected to survive.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/2-year-old-accidentally-shoots-injures-herself
April 30, 2016 – Memphis - INJURY
A 17-year-old unintentionally shot himself near the campus of the University of Memphis.
http://wreg.com/2016/04/30/teen-shot-near-university-of-memphis/
April 29, 2016 - Lebanon - INJURY
A 10-year-old found a loaded shotgun and unintentionally shot himself in the abdomen. He has been taken to the hospital.
http://wkrn.com/2016/04/29/10-year-old-lebanon-boy-accidentally-shoots-self-in-stomach/
March 24, 2016 - Memphis - INJURY
An 11-year-old little girl was shot by a playmate who was playing with a gun. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/11-year-old-shot-on-winchester
March 19, 2016 - Nashville - INJURY
A 14-year-old boy in Nashville accidentally shot himself in the leg. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No word on how he had access to a loaded gun.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/local-news/14-year-old-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-leg
February 29, 2016 – Apison
- FATALITY
3-year-old Gavin Pittman accidentally shot himself in the head in his family’s minivan. The minivan was parked outside the family’s home. The child’s mother was charged with criminally negligent homicide and child endangerment.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/mar/02/apison-toddler-accidentally-shot-head-medical-examiner-says/353067/
January 25, 2016 – Crossville - FATALITY
Parents left four siblings in a car while they went inside a Verizon store to pay a bill. One child found a semi-automatic pistol left inside the mother’s purse and accidentally shot a 7-year-old boy also in the car. The child was shot in the head. He was flown to a Knoxville trauma center for medical treatment where he died. No charges have been filed.
http://wate.com/2016/01/25/police-child-accidentally-shot-by-another-child-in-crossville-parking-lot/
January 3, 2016 – Knoxville
- INJURY
A 15-year-old boy and some friends were playing with a gun in the teen’s bedroom. The gun fired, injuring the boy. Initially the boy lied about what happened, saying he didn’t know how he was shot. The injured boy’s parents say that one of the boy’s friends brought the gun over to the house. No word yet on any charges or how the teen with the gun had access to it.
http://www.local8now.com/home/headlines/Knoxville-police-investigate-Hembree-Street-shooting-of-15-year-old-364059741.html
January 3, 2016 – Memphis
- INJURY
According to police, a 15-year-old boy’s father was approaching the house when he heard two shots. The teen opened the door and said he shot himself. The boy was taken to the Regional Medical Center in critical condition, police said.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/crime/teen-accidentally-shoots-himself-police-say-2875b4f1-ab5e-5f74-e053-0100007fdd9a-364080671.html
Section 1
2015 YEAR END
Total Incidents: 21
Injuries to children: 12
Fatalities: 9
December 2015– Estill Springs
- FATALITY
11 year-old Sienna Owens who was shot and killed at her 12-year-old friend’s house. Sienna and several friends were at a boy’s home and the children were in the garage. A gun was produced, a single shot was fired, and Sienna Owens was killed. Police are still investigating the shooting to determine if it was unintentional. However, the death of this young girl is 100% due to the negligent storage of a gun. Middle school aged children should not be allowed access to loaded guns without adult supervision. No charges have been filed.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/family-of-11-year-old-killed-in-franklin-county-shooting-speaks-out
November 30, 2015 – Nashville
- INJURY
A 3-year-old child unintentionally shot himself in the arm with a gun. His father was in the kitchen when the child shot himself.
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/child-suffers-gunshot-wound-believed-to-be-accidental
November 17, 2015 – Goodlettsville
- FATALITY
A father who always kept his loaded gun nearby for protection was watching TV with his two young sons. The gun had a laser sight and the father was teasing the family cat with the laser. He set the gun down and left the room. The older boy picked up the gun and tried to operate the laser but instead, accidentally shot his 5-year-old little brother in the head, killing him. The father was later charged with felony criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/sumner/2015/11/23/goodlettsville-police-id-boy-shot-saturday/76273634/
October 31, 2015 – Zionville NC
- INJURY
A 13-year-old Tennessee boy was accidentally shot by another 13-year-old Tennessee boy in Zionville, NC, on the state line of North Carolina and Tennessee. The boy sustained a shotgun blast to the abdomen and was airlifted to Johnson City. No word on condition or how the boys had access to the gun.
http://www.goblueridge.net/news/1/30077-13-year-old-airlifted-after-accidental-shooting
October 31, 2015 – Whitehaven
- INJURY
A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were both injured when a gun the 16-year-old was handling “just went off.” One child was struck in the foot and the other in the hand.
http://wreg.com/2015/11/01/police-holmes-rd-shooting-of-teen-was-accidental/
October 3, 2015 – White Pine - FATALITY
8-year-old MaKayla Dyer who was INTENTIONALLY shot by her 11-year old neighbor when she refused to let him play with her puppy. The boy used his father’s loaded shotgun, kept in an unlocked closet in a trailer full of children. Although this incident was intentional, the death was 100% due to the negligent storage of the father’s shotgun. The boy was convicted of first degree murder but the father will not be charged with anything.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/us/girl-killed-puppy-in-tennessee/
August 14, 2015 – Greeneville
- INJURY
In Greeneville, a 17-year-old practicing his “quick draw” skills accidentally shot himself in the leg. The teenager told deputies that he forgot to unload the revolver “and while drawing the weapon it discharged. The bullet struck his right leg just above the ankle. His injuries were minor.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/report-teenager-shot-himself-practicing-quick-draw-skills/article_6f352739-e516-59ff-b3d5-42ee1efc32dd.html
August 29, 2015 – Murfreesboro - FATALITY
A 15-year-old popular football player was accidentally shot in the head at his home. He was life flighted and kept on life support. Four days later, he was declared brain dead.
http://www.dnj.com/story/news/2015/09/02/loupe-family-awaits-brain-scan-results-spokesman-says/71586574/
August 5, 2015 – Robertson County - FATALITY
The 15-year-old son of a Robertson County deputy was accidentally shot and killed. No word on who shot him, only that it was an accident. The boy’s father is the school resource officer at his high school.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/29723748/robertson-county-deputys-son-killed-in-accidental-shooting
August 4, 2015 – Chattanooga
- INJURY
A developmentally disabled 13-year-old accidentally shot himself in the arm with a loaded gun he found in his home. Police found a total of three handguns including a 9mm handgun and a .22 caliber gun which were loaded. One of the guns was stolen.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/29715389/mother-arrested-after-mentally-handicap-son-accidentally-shoots-himself
August 1, 2015 – Nashville
- INJURY
A 10-year-old boy was accidentally shot in the chest by another child at a Nashville motel. Three boys were playing with a cap gun and a .22 caliber when the shooting occurred.
http://wkrn.com/2015/08/01/10-year-old-shot-in-north-nashville-hotel-room/
July 24, 2015 – Tullahoma
- INJURY
A 12-year-old boy was accidentally shot with a .243 rifle by another juvenile. He was airlifted to Vanderbilt. He is expected to survive.
http://www.tullahomanews.com/boy-12-re-covering-from-rifle-wound/
June 23, 2015 – Memphis
- FATALITY
While his mother was at the store and his father was doing yard work, a 4-year-old found his father’s loaded gun and shot and killed himself with it.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29280648/scso-investigates-shooting-on-egyptian-cove
May 30, 2015 – Memphis
- INJURY
Two teens in Memphis were playing with the hammer of a revolver in one of their apartments when the gun fired, shooting one of them in the thigh. The victim was last reported to be in stable condition. The shooter was charged with reckless endangerment. No charges have been filed against the adult(s) who allowed the revolver to be in the possession of the teens.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/29196816/1-person-shot-in-waterford-place-apartments
May 29, 2015 – Hickman County - INJURY
The 14-year-old daughter of a Sheriff’s deputy, described as being well acquainted with firearms, was accidentally shot with one of her father’s personal guns. Her injuries required surgery.
http://fox17.com/m/news/features/top-stories/stories/14-Year-Old-Daughter-of-Deputy-Recovering-After-Accidental-Shooting-132242.shtml#.VVoxIl74vwI
March 31, 2015 – Nashville
- FATALITY
2-year-old child killed in Madison apartment. Investigation is ongoing but it is likely the child fired the gun himself. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/28705897/2-year-old-dies-after-being-shot-in-madison-apartment
March 22, 2015 – Blount County - INJURY
In Alcoa, a 14-year-old girl mistook a loaded pistol for a BB gun and fired it at a 17 year old, injuring him. The two teens were at the home of a Blount County sheriff’s department officer. No charges have been filed.
http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/maryville-blount/2015/03/22/teen-involved-shooting-under-investigation/25194219/
March 3, 2015 – Coffee County - INJURY
A 3-year-old little boy found a loaded gun and shot his 18 month old brother in the head.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tennessee-boy-3-shoots-1-year-old-brother-in-the-head/
February 27, 2015 – Nashville
- FATALITY
An 11-year-old little boy and a 15-year-old boy were playing with a gun when the 11-year-old accidentally shot and killed the 15-year-old.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2015/03/06/teenager-killed-in-north-nashville-shooting/24538395/
February 3, 2015 – Morgan County - FATALITY
A 15-year-old was at home with family when he removed a gun out of the family’s gun safe. The gun fired, killing the boy.
http://wate.com/2015/02/04/morgan-county-teen-shot-killed/
January 10, 2015 – Lebanon - INJURY
Two high school sophomores playing with a gun at one of the boys’ houses. The gun was discharged, shattering the femur of one of the boys.
http://www.wilsonpost.com/mom-ive-been-shot-dont-freak-out–cms-84858