BENNINGTON, N.Y. - The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office has charged a father in the town of Bennington with Endangering the Welfare of a Child after the sheriff's office says his son accidentally shot himself.
Matthew Howell, 42, is facing the charge after what Sheriff Gregory Rudolph calls a "completely preventable" accident. His three-year-old son is still in the hospital, but is doing well.
The sheriff says the gun was left loaded and unattended where the boy could reach it in the living room of the home on Tooley Road December 30th. The toddler shot himself in the area of his chest and shoulder.
Sheriff Rudolph also says Howell and the boy's mother provided care until first responders arrived.
Howell was issued an appearance ticket and is due in court January 29th.