Father of 3-year-old killed by self-inflicted gunshot charged with reckless homicide

NASHVILLE, Tenn--The father of a 3-year-old who died from an accidentally self-inflicted gunshot wound is now facing charges for leaving the gun within his son's reach.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) reports 23-year-old D'Andre Pruitt is facing charges of reckless homicide, child neglect, and evidence tampering in the Wednesday night shooting.

Police say Pruitt told them he removed a pistol from his pocket and placed it on the floor of a bedroom. He added he didn't believe his son was in the bedroom when the boy picked up the gun and shot himself. The boy was transported to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Pruitt surrendered to police though the assistance of a local pastor after leaving the scene following the shooting.