HOOKSETT — A three-year-old child was seriously injured Wednesday evening after apparently finding and firing a handgun while seated in a parked vehicle, Hooksett police said Thursday.
What happened
Officers responded to a report of an accidental shooting on Whitehall Road at about 6:30 p.m. When they arrived, police found the child inside a car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The youngster was taken to Elliot Hospital in Manchester and later flown to a Boston hospital for further care. Police describe the injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
Investigation and safety message
The Hooksett Police Department said the firearm was in the vehicle before the child got inside. The department is investigating the circumstances surrounding how the child accessed the weapon and whether any laws were violated. Authorities say everyone involved is cooperating with the inquiry.
“Anyone who owns a firearm, especially if they’re going to keep it in their residence of their vehicle, [should] keep it secured…whether it’s a retention holster, or some type of lock box or safe. That’s always best practice,”
The warning came from Hooksett Police Captain James Bradley, who framed the case as a painful reminder of everyday risks when firearms are not secured. A neighbor, Crystal Sutton, described the incident as “sad” and “really scary,” noting how easily children can come into contact with dangerous items.
- Time: ~6:30 p.m. Wednesday
- Location: Vehicle parked on Whitehall Road, Hooksett
- Victim: 3-year-old, transported to Boston hospital
| Detail | Reported |
|---|---|
| Initial treatment | Elliot Hospital, Manchester |
| Subsequent transport | Airlift to Boston hospital |
| Injury status | Serious, non-life-threatening |
Community context
Incidents involving unsecured firearms, especially those kept in cars, have prompted repeated safety campaigns statewide. Local police and child-safety advocates note that locked storage devices, holsters with retention, and keeping firearms unloaded are practical steps owners can take to reduce the risk of accidental shootings. The Hooksett investigation remains active; police did not release additional details about ownership of the gun or potential charges as of Thursday.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hooksett Police Department. As this is a developing story, more details may be released as investigators complete their review.
