Father charged after toddler son accidentally shoots himself

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio father has been charged after his toddler son accidentally shot himself with a gun the man left on a couch while playing a video game, authorities said.

Demonte Walker, Sr., 24, of Columbus, was charged Monday with child endangerment. It’s not known is he’s retained an attorney.

The shooting occurred shortly after 11 a.m. Monday at a Columbus home, authorities said.

Walker told police he had his handgun with him and had put it on the couch next to himself. His 23-month-old son soon picked up the gun and shot himself in the abdomen, authorities said.

The child remains hospitalized in critical condition but is expected to recover. His name has not been released.

Authorities have not provided further details on the shooting or said how many people were in the home when it occurred.