ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A 3-year-old is now recovering after police say he shot himself with an unattended firearm on Sunday, July 20.

The shooting occurred at the Sawyer Point Apartments, located at 2337 Sharon Dr in Albany.

According to Albany Police Chief Michael Persley, the child’s father, DeQuan Sims, 30, was arrested and charged with reckless conduct for reportedly leaving the gun unattended in reach of the child.

The child managed to get a hold of the weapon and shot himself in the leg.

After his son shot himself, Sims applied pressure to the wound and immediately took the child to Phoebe Putney for treatment. Sims was arrested at the hospital and transported to the Dougherty County Jail.

Now, Persley is encouraging citizens to take steps to ensure proper gun storage safety.

During Monday’s media briefing, Chief Persley said, “As much as we understand that Georgia is a constitutional carry state, everyone still needs to be responsible for their weapons.”

The chief says anyone wanting to know more about property gun storage safety can reach out to the department at (229) 431-2100 to learn more.

Many gun shops can also provide information on the proper storage of firearms.

Watch the full press conference below:

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