A 3-year-old boy in Newport News died Thursday in an apparent accidental shooting, police said.

Officers responded to the 1200 block of 26th Street, near Chestnut Avenue, following a report of a shooting at about 9:08 a.m. They found the boy suffering from a gunshot wound, and he died at the scene.

The boy’s father, Nathan Copeland, has not been charged in the shooting death as of Friday afternoon, though police said charges are pending while the investigation continues.

Copeland was booked on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com