Man arrested after 3-year-old arrives at Evansville hospital with gun shot wound

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - A man has been arrested after police say a 3-year-old showed up to an Evansville hospital this morning with a gunshot wound.

Officials say 26-year-old Antonio Harrell has been charged with neglect of a dependent and other charges after he left a handgun on the couch of an apartment he was staying at.

They say Harrell told them he had left the firearm on the couch partially covered by a blanket when he woke up, and walked into the kitchen to talk to the child’s mother.

Officers say witnesses said they heard a gunshot from the living room and found the 3-year-old with a bullet wound to their arm.

Harrell told police he believed another child, a 5-year-old, may have also been in the room at the time.

The child’s mother and Harrell rushed the child to the hospital, but police say the gun was not located on scene.

Harrell admitted to police he took the gun and shell casing with him after leaving the hospital.

Hospital staff told police the 3-year-old had a traumatic gunshot wound to his left forearm, sustaining fractures, and had to be transferred to another hospital.

Harrell is currently being held on two charges of neglect, unlawful carrying of a handgun and obstruction of justice.

He is being held without bond.