ALEXANDRIA, La. (5/10/2026) — A four-year-old child died Saturday night following an accidental shooting incident in the Houston Street area of Alexandria, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
Police responded to a local hospital around 10:48 p.m. on May 9, 2026, after receiving reports of a child suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Sadly, the child later died.
Detectives learned the incident happened in the 3000 block of Houston Street after a birthday party. Investigators said two four-year-old children were inside a residence and playing unsupervised with a stolen firearm that was illegally possessed.
During the incident, the firearm discharged. One of the children suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
The Alexandria accidental shooting remains under investigation. Meanwhile, authorities said charges connected to the case are pending.
Chief Chad Gremillion called the incident preventable and urged gun owners to properly secure firearms around children.
“A child has lost their life in a preventable tragedy,” Gremillion said. “This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder of the importance of properly securing firearms and keeping them out of the reach of children.”
He added that firearms should remain unloaded, locked away, and inaccessible to children at all times.
The Alexandria Police Department is also working with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services during the investigation.
This tragedy has sparked concern across the community. Residents continue discussing the dangers of unsecured firearms and the lasting impact such incidents leave on families and neighborhoods.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Alexandria Police Detective Division at (318) 441-6416 or APD Dispatch at (318) 441-6559. Information may also be emailed to APDDetectives@cityofalex.com.
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