A 4-year-old boy shot his 6-year-old neighbor in the head with a rifle he found in his New Jersey home while the two were playing in the yard Monday evening, according to police.
The victim's family tells NBC 4 New York that 6-year-old Brandon Holt is in serious condition with the bullet lodged in his brain. It's not clear if the 4-year-old pulled the trigger or if the rifle accidentally discharged.
Authorities said the two boys were outside the 4-year-old's home in Toms River when the gun, a .22-caliber rifle, went off at about 7 p.m. The parents were nearby and heard the shot; the boy's mother called 911.
Holt was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center with a head wound. The victim's aunt, Danella Magiera, told NBC 4 New York the bullet went through the back of his head and became lodged in his brain; doctors are trying to keep the brain swelling down, she said.
"It's really difficult to deal with," said Daniel Watkins, a relative of Holt. "This shouldn't have happened. It's horrible."
Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said the boy was shot from 15 yards away.
Police are investigating how the younger child obtained the rifle from his family's home on McCormick Drive. Authorities said it wasn't known if the rifle was registered to anyone who lives there. It apparently was not the only firearm in the house, according to neighbors in the child-friendly neighborhood.
"I'm angry about the dad that had these guns in the house," said neighbor Debi Coto. "They took more out last night."
Coto said the incident has brought a new reality check for parents whose children go to play at neighbors' homes.
"My sister said she would actually ask, 'Do you have guns, are they locked up?' Because you never know today. You never know," said Coto.
Investigators have not detailed what was removed from the home after the shooting Monday night. Ocean County prosecutor Joseph Coronato declined to say if any charges would be filed.
Magiera said the 4-year-old boy is the youngest of four children. His family recently moved to the home on McCormick Drive, which is a few doors down from where her nephew lives, she said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Photo Credit: NBCNewYork