A recently hired South Carolina police officer has been suspended after his 4-year-old son shot himself with his father’s service weapon while visiting relatives in North Miami Beach.
Peter Tidot, 29, told police that and his son arrived at his parents’ home on Wednesday and that he put his Sig Sauer .45 in his waistband with a round in the chamber, WPLG reported. Police said he apparently left the loaded weapon unsecured and within easy reach of the 4-year-old, who grabbed it and shot himself in the head.
Ronel Tidot, the officer’s brother, told the station that the boy is “doing good” at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and is expected to survive.
Peter Tidot, who was hired by the Columbia Police Department a year ago, called 911 after the incident and waited on the scene for police to arrive.
He was charged with one count each of child neglect with great bodily harm and culpable negligence.
Columbia Police issued a statement saying Tidot was “placed on investigatory suspension” after they were notified of his arrest. He will remain suspended until the conclusion of the criminal case and an internal investigation by the department.
“We are praying for the speedy recovery of the child and everyone impacted by the incredibly unfortunate incident” Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook said. “Let this serve as a reminder about the importance of gun safety and proper gun storage.”
