A Virginia home turned into a nightmare after a toddler accidentally shot himself in the face with an unsecured gun — leading to the arrest of a 21-year-old man who was in the home at the time.
According to a press release from the Norfolk Police Department, Zyquay H. Fulford was arrested and charged following the disturbing incident, which unfolded around 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Officers were called to a residence in the 7600 block of Sheryl Drive after receiving reports that a 3-year-old boy had suffered a gunshot wound. When police arrived, they learned the child had been shot and rushed him to a nearby hospital.
Authorities say the boy survived and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. However, a preliminary investigation determined the toddler found an unsecured firearm inside the home and accidentally shot himself.
Local outlet WAVY reported, citing a police scanner, that the child had been shot in the face. The scene was described as chaotic, with officers placing the boy’s mother in the back of a patrol vehicle as first responders worked to control the situation.
Neighbor Keyshawn Clark told the station the mother ran to nearby homes screaming for help moments after the shooting, initially believing her son had been stabbed.
“She’s doing a lot of screaming,” Clark said. “My fiancée was trying to calm her down, telling her help was on the way. It was crazy because I didn’t even hear a gunshot — it was so quiet. There was blood everywhere… I’m praying for them.”
Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi explained that cases involving unsecured firearms and children can carry serious criminal consequences.
“Parents can be charged with felony child neglect, they can be charged with involuntary manslaughter,” Fatehi told 13News Now. “Those are multi-year felonies.”
He added that while not every accidental shooting results in criminal charges, the emotional toll is devastating. “There is nothing the justice system can do that’s worse than a parent holding their dead child because they were careless with their gun,” Fatehi said. “That is the burden any parent has to carry when a child is hurt or killed with a gun.”
Police confirmed Fulford was charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was taken to the Norfolk City Jail and later released on bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
A parent who dies not secure his weapon is a danger to all