By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
MORRISTOWN (WATE) - A seven-year-old boy was critically injured Monday night when he was shot in the head by a gun that accidentally discharged.
The victim is Jaymee Steward, a first grader at Lincoln Heights Elementary School.
Morristown police said Steward and his two brothers were playing in the bedroom of a house on Walnut Drive when the shooting happened just before 8:00 p.m.
"Apparently one of the children had found a gun. It's a very small, .22-caliber revolver style weapon. They thought it was a toy, as many children would. It is a very small weapon," said Maj. Michelle Jones.
The other two boys, ages four and 13, were not hurt.
Steward was flown to UT Medical Center where he's in critical condition on Tuesday.
"Last night the principal, Ms. Dalton, as well as the little boy's teacher were down at the hospital," said Director of Schools Dr. Dale Lynch.
"Obviously small weapons are much easier to mistake for a toy, but we encourage families who have children, who have any kind of firearm in the home, to keep it secured in a gun safe with a gun lock and the ammunition stored separately," Jones said.
"The investigation is ongoing. Once it is completed, we will review it with the district attorney's office to see what if any charges are appropriate," she added.
The Morristown Police department has a limited supply of gun locks available, free of charge. For more information, call Corporal Kenneth Hinkle at (423) 585-4681.
The shooting happened at this home on Walnut Drive.
