Man Arrested After Accidentally Shooting Son While Demonstrating Firearm Safety

A Missouri man is in custody after accidentally shooting his eight-year-old son. 

Per KMIZ in Jefferson City, police arrested Phillip D. Lumas, Sr. on Tuesday and charged with second-degree domestic assault and child endangerment by Cole County prosecutors.

The incident took place after Lumas allegedly decided to teach his children about gun safety. Once his demonstration was over, Lumas started watching TV while unloading the gun. He thought his children were out of the room, but while he was putting the gun away his son and another six-year-old child startled him. The 9mm Ruger pistol went off, shooting his son.

According to police records, Lumas’ wife heard the gunshot then saw her husband running towards her holding the injured child. Lumas called the police while he and his wife took the child to the hospital. Jefferson City Police Department spokesman was unable to give any updated information on the child’s condition. Lumas was released from the Cole County Jail without bail and is set to be arraigned for the incident on Friday.