An Arizona father is facing criminal charges for allegedly seriously wounding his 6-year-old daughter with a shotgun while teaching her about gun safety.
Eldon McInville, 26, was jailed on child abuse and assault with a deadly weapon charges in connection with Thursday’s accidental shooting that left his daughter with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The girl has undergone multiple surgeries and is expected to make a full recovery, according to KSAZ.
A police report obtained by the news station shows that McInville said he had slipped while cleaning the loaded shotgun for the first time, causing the weapon to discharge. According to KTAR, he said he “was teaching her gun safety” moments before the unintentional shooting occurred.
McInville reportedly called 911 stating that his daughter’s “intestines were visible.” The girl’s hospitalized in stable but serious condition and could require additional surgeries, Glendale police Seargent John Roth told the news station.
KSAZ reported that police located several loaded guns at the home, including one that was lying on a TV stand.
“The results of the investigation and interviews revealed that the father was recklessly manipulating and handling the firearm just before he reportedly fell causing the shotgun to discharge and strike the little girl,” the Glendale Police Department said in a statement issued to the Arizona Republic.
A court hearing is scheduled for May 2.
[Featured image: Eldon McInville/Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office]
