News Center 7’s I‑Team investigation revealed that accidental shootings involving children under age 12 have occurred over 2,000 times across the United States in the last ten years. In Ohio alone, investigators documented 129 incidents, 47 of which were fatal, making the state one of the highest‑count regions for such tragedies.
Heart‑breaking stories illustrate the scope of the problem
Families across the country have shared painful memories. James Fairley recounted the loss of his six‑year‑old daughter, Nay’loni, who accidentally shot herself in Florida in 2021 after finding an unsecured firearm at her mother’s home. In Ohio, three‑year‑old Jaxon Truitt died in Charlotte in 2023 when he accessed his father’s gun, and four‑year‑old Kendall Al‑Amin was killed in Atlanta in 2022 after finding a firearm under a car seat. These personal tragedies underscore the urgent need for preventive measures.
Ohio’s response: the Store‑It‑Safe program
In response to the growing crisis, Ohio’s Store‑It‑Safe program—established in 2015 by the Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics—provides free lock boxes and educational outreach to help parents store firearms safely. Officer Aaron Morgan of the Springboro Police Department explained that Springboro is one of 17 participating communities. “We filled out an application and proved our commitment to making a difference,” Morgan said, noting that the program supplies lock boxes at no cost to residents.
The program’s roots trace back to pediatricians who have long discussed injury prevention with families. Dr. Vivek Ashok, a pediatrician in southwest Ohio, described firearm safety as a natural extension of conversations about car seats, seat belts, and helmets. “Firearm‑related injuries have been the leading cause of death for children ages one to 19 since 2020,” Dr. Ashok warned, emphasizing that these deaths are preventable.
Local officials support enforcement and education
Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Driscoll noted that Ohio lacks a statewide safe‑storage law, but his office still pursues criminal charges when negligence is evident. “If it’s appropriate, we have no problems charging somebody,” Driscoll said.
Despite the absence of a mandatory law, many communities are taking proactive steps. Store‑It‑Safe participants report a variety of outreach tactics, from billboard campaigns to raffles of lock boxes. “It’s so important to make a difference for even one family,” Officer Morgan added.
What families can do now
Parents are urged to secure all firearms in locked containers, keep ammunition separate, and educate children about the dangers of guns. The program’s website offers resources and a directory of participating communities. As more Ohio towns join, advocates hope the trend will reduce accidental shootings and spare families the grief experienced by the Fairley, Layton, and Lewis families.
Looking ahead
While the investigation suggests the 2,000‑plus national figure is likely an underestimate, the Ohio AAP remains optimistic that expanding Store‑It‑Safe will save lives. “If you can prevent even one tragedy, the effort is worth it,” said Dr. Ashok. The continued collaboration between law‑enforcement, health professionals, and community leaders aims to turn the tide on this preventable crisis.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
