CINCINNATI — A 21-year-old man has been arrested after a 2-year-old child was hospitalized with a gunshot wound Saturday, Cincinnati police said.
CPD said Carmelo Anderson has been charged with tampering with evidence in connection with Saturday's shooting in the Villages at Roll Hill.
The shooting occurred in the 2500 block of Nottingham Road around noon Saturday. CPD said officers found a 2-year-old with a gunshot wound.
The 2-year-old was transported to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and they are in stable condition, CPD said.
Anderson has not been charged with shooting the child, but CPD has not specified how the child was injured. It's also unclear what relation Anderson may have to the 2-year-old.
CPD Chief Teresa Theetge issued a statement saying she's "outraged, heartbroken and deeply disappointed to learn that yet another child — a 2-year-old — has endured unimaginable pain and trauma after sustaining a gunshot injury this weekend."
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this cannot keep happening. We have a shared responsibility to protect our innocent, curious children," Theetge said. "I want to take this moment to emphasize what should already be clear — firearms must be safely secured. This is no longer optional; it is a fundamental obligation that comes with gun ownership."
Theetge said for those who can't lock up their firearms, to call CPD, and they will secure any firearms on your behalf.
"If we uncover any evidence of negligence by a gun owner in incidents like this, we will work closely with the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office to hold that individual fully accountable for the harm their actions — or inaction — have caused," Theetge said.
It's unclear if any other charges will be filed against Anderson.
CPD said its investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact CPD at 513-352-3542.
