Bronx boy accidentally shot his finger while handling his deceased aunt’s gun, according to prosecutors.

A 7-year-old boy from the Bronx accidentally shot himself in the finger after discovering a loaded firearm in the bedroom of his deceased aunt, according to statements made by prosecutors on Thursday. The incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. on Sunday when the boy found a .25-caliber pistol concealed behind a dresser.

Following the discharge of the weapon, which resulted in significant injury to the child’s finger, the boy’s father, Willie Terry, 61, took immediate action to secure the firearm. However, he did not contact the police right away regarding the incident. Investigators later located the gun in the foyer of the residence located on East 230th Street near Bronxwood Avenue in the Wakefield neighborhood.

As a result of the discovery, law enforcement charged Terry with reckless endangerment and illegal possession of a firearm. Treatment for the child was immediately initiated at Jacobi Medical Center, where medical professionals indicated that he is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

Terry reportedly claimed that he had never seen the handgun before the incident but acknowledged that his late sister had owned firearms in the past. In statements provided to police, he confirmed that the child had found the gun in his aunt’s bedroom and that he had taken measures to secure it prior to contacting authorities.

Terry appeared briefly in court for arraignment, during which it was noted that he is currently enrolled in a supervised release program. This status has so far spared him from facing imprisonment as the legal process continues through Bronx Criminal Court.

Court records indicate that Terry has a history of legal troubles, with 12 prior arrests documented. His most recent encounter with law enforcement was eight years ago when he faced charges related to assault. The incident has raised concerns about firearm safety and accessibility in homes, particularly in relation to the presence of children. The ongoing investigation into the case will likely prompt further discourse on responsible gun ownership and the implications of such tragedies in communities.