The Merced Police Department says its officers responded to a report of a child with a gunshot wound around 4 p.m. on November 22, 2024.

According to MPD, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and provided life-saving measures. The child was transported to an area hospital where they passed away.

MPD says the investigation determined that the two-year-old accessed an unsecured firearm inside the home and suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

MPD confirms the child’s father was arrested and booked on charges of Child Endangerment Resulting in Death.