Madera boy shoots brother. Police say it’s accidental but charges may come

Madera police will consider forwarding charges after a 4-year-old was accidentally shot by his older brother in a northeast Madera home.

The shooting occurred at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday when an 11-year-old discovered a hidden shotgun and fired it, striking his younger brother in the leg, said Sgt. Dan Foss.

The charges could be filed against parents and potentially older siblings who were supposed to be in the home at the time, he said.

The younger child was hospitalized with injuries that are not life-threatening, Foss said.

“Obviously, it was not intentional,” he said.

The two boys had been left alone in the home without a telephone for them to call for help, Foss said.

“You have to make sure they can call for help in the home,” he added.

Police were told that older siblings were supposed to be in the home.

Foss said police are investigating criminal culpability and considering potential charges for the Madera County district attorney’s office.

The request to the district attorney could involve improper gun storage, child neglect or other potential charges, Foss said.

This story was originally published May 18, 2017 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Madera boy shoots brother. Police say it’s accidental but charges may come."