Police: 4-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with gun found in closet

FOX 29's Jeff Cole has the latest.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a 4-year-old boy died Thursday morning after he accidentally shot himself with a gun he found in the closet of a North Philadelphia home.

The father, 28-year-old Edward Williams Sr., originally reported to police that the boy was shot during a home invasion on the 2100 block of North Lambert Street. Williams and another 3-year-old child were at home at the time of the incident, while the mother was reportedly at work.

"There were no injuries to Mr. Williams that's a red flag right there. All we had was an individual saying home invasion and a 4-year-old child shot," Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith said.

Investigators say Williams has seven prior arrests. Police believe he was likely trying to hide his “illegal” possession of the loaded gun kept where his child could find it.

According to police, the 3-year-old child, who woke his sleeping father after the shooting, told investigators what he saw.

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