What began as a game of chase with squirt guns ended in a shooting of an eight-year old girl in Blair on Monday night, July 9. The child’s 12-year old brother found a .25 caliber handgun and while playing, accidentally discharged the weapon, sending a bullet into his sister’s neck.

Jackson County Undersheriff Stacy Randolph stated that the injury could have been much worse if the bullet had entered one side or the other of the child’s neck. Closer to the spine could have resulted in paralysis or death, and closer to the jugular could have been profuse bleeding and death. Jackson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene to stabilize the young patient. A helicopter crew was able to land at the Blair Fire Department and transported the girl to an Oklahoma City hospital. The girl was doing well at press time.

According to Sheriff Roger LeVick, the shooting is being ruled an accident but the investigation regarding the parents is continuing.