Experts underline the safety of weapons following several tragedies in the Tucson area

Tucson, Ariz. (13 news) – Since the beginning of the year, 13 News reported on three accidental shootings involving a child in the Tucson area.

Most recently involved a 2 -year -old boy shot in his hand. The 19 -year -old’s 19 -year -old brother was arrested later under the charge of child abuse.

These recent tragedies serve as an increased memory of the importance of weapons safety, which was a major objective for the prosecutor’s office in Pima County.

“The idea is to prevent a tragedy from happening,” said PCAo detectives, Fabian Pacheco.

Pacheco said that tragedies continue to solidify why weapon locks are so important.

He and PCAO fight for the safety of weapons for years.

Two programs – Save a safety of weapons of life and the communities that address the property responsible for weapons have given over 13,000 weapons locks last year.

“It is very heartbreaking to hear that a family suffers from a tragedy or losses that they could have experienced,” said Pacheco.

Christina Colosimo, director of pediatric trauma associated with Banner, said that I see about 200 pediatric patients per year. She said this number continues to grow.

“The youngest child I saw was accidentally shot, was a 3-year-old,” Colosimo said. “She climbed into her father’s truck, he always had the weapon in the central divisor and said that it normally climbs back. He got up, he shot himself and you know, this happens all the time. “

When tragedies happen, Pacheco said they can make people believe that weapon locks do not work – but said it was not the case.

“How many of these weapons locks, right now, as we speak, are properly installed and prevent the following tragedy,” Pacheco said.

This is why he said that PCAO gives free locks and partners like USD Tucson and pediatric offices to ensure that adults have access to them.

Colosimo said that educating children about the safety and violence of weapons is also crucial.

“I know it’s incredibly hard,” Colosimo said. “I am a four -year -old mother. I have two 10 -year -olds and it’s hard for me, but there are many and many resources online. “

To get a free weapon lock, all you have to do is stop by Pima County Office Office Or call them at 520-724-5617.

There were already at least three accidental shootings that involved children in the Tucson area this year.

On January 22, A child was injured in a shot near 29 and Harrison in Tucson. Starting March 11, no accusations were filed in this case.

On February 27, A child died in a shot at a house on West 27th Street in South Tucson. Anthony Noriega, the father of the child, was arrested on the charge of negligent homicide and danger.

On March 3, A 2 -year -old boy shot in his hand at a house in the 5000 block in West Nighthawk Way in Pima County. Jeremiah Vaughn, 19, was arrested on charges of abuse on children.

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