4-year-old shot boy in head, police in Rhode Island say

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — A 4-year-old boy was shot in the head in Rhode Island on Tuesday morning, according to authorities.

The Cranston Police Department confirmed to WJAR that the child was allegedly shot by his father.

The chief of police said the incident happened on the second floor of a home around 10:15 a.m.

The child suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

The injured child was transported to Hasbro Children's Hospital, police said. According to officials, he is in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

We're praying and hoping the child makes it," police told WJAR.

Police said the child’s father, 33-year-old Michael A. Jones, was taken into custody.

Police said Jones was inside a second-floor bedroom in the apartment handling a loaded 9mm handgun.

Jones said he accidentally discharged the gun, causing a single round to travel through the wall and hit his son.

The child's grandfather, who lives on the first floor, called 911.

Police searched the residence and recovered a loaded gun, which is believed to be the one used in the shooting.

Jones was previously convicted for felony assault. He was sentenced on June 1, 2022, to a two-year suspended sentence and probation.

Jones is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

It is unclear how he acquired the gun.

Jones is facing charges for felony assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and firing in a compact area.

Police continue to investigate the shooting.

Cranston is Rhode Island's second largest city.

ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmp5mknryvedaoqaWcX2l6urHAq2SopJRisKm1y51krKCfqXqquoyhnJqcXaW8rbXCnmSipl2ntbCwxGagrKSRo7Fuv8CyZJyqkaPAtbvNZqeopJmYsm6wxKmYq6ydmru1ecaupaxllp6%2Fpq3Rpqpmr5WWvbC60maZrqScmsG0ecCmpK6mmam2sLqMmqSmp12osrO1zq6qpbFdncKzwIyipaOtop6ytHnBoqalp5eesKK4jJ%2BYraCVp3qlsdOaoKedlA%3D%3D