10-year-old shoots himself in hand in S. Tahoe

A California couple may face child endangerment charges because their grandson who was in their care nearly shot his little finger off.

The name and hometown of the people involved are not being released by South Lake Tahoe police officers.

“That fact that he has special needs could be considered by the DA to be more compelling toward (child endangerment),” police Lt. Brian Williams told Lake Tahoe News.

The 10-year-old was left alone in a vehicle at Staples on the afternoon of July 31 while his grandma shopped and grandpa let the dog out. During that time the boy went from the back seat to the front, opened the glove compartment and shot his little finger, according to officers.

Williams did not know if the child would lose his little finger.

The gun belongs to the grandfather, who is in law enforcement in California. He is authorized to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. The glove box, though, does not have a lock.

Officers took possession of the weapon.

It will be up to the District Attorneys Office if charges are filed.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report