Accidental shooting in Martin County on Sunday

FAIRMONT — On Oct. 15, 2023, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Martin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an emergency call regarding an accidental shooting. The caller was in a vehicle in the 1300 block of 130th Avenue and proceeding to Fairmont for medical care. Deputies intercepted the caller’s vehicle in the 1800 block of 120th Street where they assisted an adult party in rendering first aid to the victim, who was discovered to be a 2-year old child. First aid measures were continued until Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service arrived and took over medical care. The victim was then transferred to Rochester by Mayo Clinic Air Ambulance.

Based on information obtained at the scene and from the involved parties, it is believed that a 4-year-old child in the backseat gained possession of a loaded firearm and accidentally discharged the firearm, striking the 2-year-old child, who was also a passenger in the backseat of the vehicle.