The 3-year-old son of a Steamboat Springs police officer had found his father’s duty weapon and accidentally fired it into his chest, investigators say.
Undersheriff Ray Birch, of the Routt County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed Friday that the gun was the assigned firearm of Officer Michael Stiles.
Gavin Stiles at the Yampa Valley Hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities say.
Michael Stiles and his wife, Joni, of any criminal wrongdoing in the case. Michael Stiles is on unpaid leave from his post at the Steamboat Springs Police Department.
Newly released investigatory documents in the case, , show authorities believe Gavin found his father’s handgun in a bag that was in the top of a master bedroom closet.
Michael Stiles theorized to investigators that his toddler had climbed a dresser or some other piece of furniture to get to the black, soft-leather bag, the documents show. The officer said he kept the gun in the bag because he is a member of a SWAT team and he needs to be ready to respond to an emergency.
“Michael said the gun is normally stored ‘in a bag, up top. Up in my closet … well beyond my hand reach,'” according to the documents.
Joni Stiles told authorities that Gavin was alone at the time of the shooting as she was tending to the couple’s younger child in another part of the home.
According to Steamboat Today, the Steamboat Springs Police Department’s policy manual specifically addresses how officers should store their firearms at home. The newspaper reports that the policy states: “Members shall ensure that all firearms and ammunition are locked and secured while in their homes, vehicles or any other area under their control, and in a manner that will keep them inaccessible to children and others who should not have access.”
