6-year-old boy shoots, kills himself with loaded 9mm handgun found in Weiser home

Law enforcement officials say a 6-year-old boy shot and killed himself after finding a loaded handgun in a Weiser home.

Washington County Sheriff Matt Thomas says they received the call at 4:26 p.m. Saturday.

According to Thomas, the boy was at a home in Weiser with his mother and her boyfriend. They were working on a car outside, when the child wandered into a bedroom and found a loaded 9mm handgun. The child fired the weapon and a bullet hit him in the head.

He was declared dead at the scene.

Sheriff Thomas says the gun belonged to the homeowner, who was in the kitchen at the time and heard the gunshot.

"He ran into the bedroom, found him there, ran outside and told the mom; Then, of course, they called us and we responded."

Investigators say no charges have been filed at this time, although an investigation into the shooting is now underway. Adults present at the time could possibly face charges for child endangerment or neglect.

Officials have not released the boy's identity.

Thomas says most law enforcement agencies, including Washington County, have gun locks available at no charge.

"if you own guns, educate your kids on safe handling those guns and teach them that they're not toys and to stay away from them," Sheriff Thomas said.