NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — A 3-year-old boy died in what Newport News police said was an accidental shooting on Newsome Avenue Tuesday night.

NNPD responded to the report of a shooting at Soundview Townhomes on 41st Street and Newsome Drive, and when officers arrived, they found the child inside a residence suffering from a gunshot wound, police said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“All I heard was one shot,” said Lavale Hamilton, who lives in Soundview Townhomes. “I heard a gunshot, the mother crying and I saw a child die in our community.”

Hamilton says he saw the 3-year-old taken out of the house into the arms of police.

“I just saw his little legs and arms dangling,” Hamilton said.

Newport News police said they are investigating the shooting as an accidental, self-inflicted incident.

Police continue to investigate and NNPD forensics are processing the scene. Police said a gun was recovered.

Another neighbor says this tragedy hits too close to home.

“A bullet has no name at all,” said Brooklyn Foster.

Foster has two young stepdaughters. She said guns should be out of reach of children.

“They were barely alive and they were 3 years old,” Foster said. “(He) didn’t have time to go to school, he didn’t have time to be a kid.”

Detectives will consult with the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, police said.

The shooting call came in at 8:16 p.m. It was still an active scene as of 10pm with a heavy police presence and officers were seen entering one of the residences.

A WAVY-TV 10 viewer who wished to remain anonymous sent video of the active scene showing a heavy police presence.

An officer at the scene said it was a very busy day in the city. Residents told 10 On Your Side off camera that the violence in the neighborhood has gotten out of hand and they’re ready to move.

10 On Your Side knocked on the door of a woman who said just the sound of knocking scared her, saying she didn’t want to answer the door.

On Wednesday, Police Chief Steve Drew issued the following statement regarding the accidental shooting:

“We understand that the incident that occurred last night has caused significant concern,” Drew said. “I too am concerned for the family and the officers who responded to the scene. I want to stress that the investigation is ongoing and detectives are consulting with the Commonwealth’s Attorney. We appreciate your patience as we move forward with the investigation.”

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