JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A child is recovering in the hospital from a gunshot wound after Jacksonville Sheriff’s officers said the child accidentally shot themselves near Lem Turner Road and Capper Road.

Officers said they arrived Thursday afternoon to reports of an accidental shooting on Lem Turner near Capper Road. 

When they arrived, they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound. They were taken to the hospital and are recovering from their injuries.

Investigators said they found the child had access to the gun and accidentally shot it. 

Officers are continuing to investigate to determine if further action is required. 

The agency is urging parents to practice safe gun ownership, saying the shooting could have ended in tragedy.

“We can’t stress this enough: please protect your children by securing your firearms,” JSO said in a post on X. “If you own a gun, keep it out of reach from children. Your JSO offers free gun locks at all six of our substations so you can safely store your gun.”