Child Safety Alert: Mesa Police Officer Allows Child to Handle Live Ammunition
Shawn Freeman Gives a Child Live Ammunition as a Toy and teaches her to load Magazines while Loaded, Unsecured Firearms are Frequently left Within her Reach
Mesa Police Officer Shawn Freeman demonstrates his irresponsible gun ownership by regularly allowing a child to handle live ammunition and teaching her how to load guns and magazines while loaded firearms were easily accessible within the child’s reach. This irresponsible behavior poses a serious risk, as unintentional gun incidents involving children occur frequently and often result in injury or death.
The behavior of Officer Freeman in allowing a child to handle live ammunition in the presence of loaded firearms is highly irresponsible and could have potentially disastrous consequences. Incidents involving children and guns are unfortunately common, and it is crucial for law enforcement officers to prioritize safety and responsible gun handling practices at all times.
It is worrisome to instruct a child of this age on how to load a firearm when they lack the comprehension of the potential consequences of using a gun. Furthermore, it poses a significant risk to allow a child of this age to handle bullets, as they could inadvertently swallow them, leading to a choking hazard or medical emergency. These actions should be approached with the utmost caution and consideration for the safety and well-being of the child.
Officer Freeman consistently left his firearms and ammunition accessible to the child, regardless of his presence, making it impossible for him to effectively supervise the child's access to these dangerous items. This lack of proper supervision posed a significant risk to the child's safety and well-being.
When Officer Freeman was present, he often consumed large amounts of alcohol, leading to him pass out and leaving the loaded firearms unattended without any adult supervision, further complicating the issue.
Keeping Kids Safe: The Key Role of Responsible Gun Owners
Despite the ongoing debate about gun control in the United States, there is widespread consensus that preventing children from accessing loaded, unsecured firearms should be a top priority for responsible gun owners. This issue is seen as a solvable problem, with both gun industry and gun control advocates agreeing that proper storage of firearms is crucial in limiting children's access to them.
Everytown, an advocacy group for firearm safety, has gathered data from 2015 to 2022 which reveals a troubling trend: nearly every day, a child in America accidentally discharges a firearm, resulting in injuries and even deaths. And children under 6 are among the most likely victims.
The absence of criminal liability for persons who fail to properly store their firearms under current laws in Arizona is concerning. Children can only gain access to firearms if they are improperly secured. The persons responsible for this type of violence is not the child, but rather the adult who carelessly left the firearm in a location that a child had access.
Each day, a child accidentally pulls the trigger of a gun, causing harm or even death to others. This type of gun violence is entirely avoidable. It underscores the critical importance of storing firearms responsibly to shield young children from the risks associated with guns.