Harrison Toddler Shoots Self With Dad's Revolver: DA

HARRISON, NY — A Harrison man was accused of leaving a loaded gun in an unlocked safe after his toddler son shot himself in the foot, District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced Tuesday.

Robert Welgos, 45, was arraigned Monday in Harrison Town Court before Judge Daniel Angiolillo via video conference. Because he lives with his two children, both of whom are under 16, Welgos faces two counts each of Safe Storage of Rifles, Shotguns and Firearms: Fail to Secure; and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, all misdemeanors.

The accident took place June 11.

"Every parent is charged with keeping their children safe but when loaded weapons are left in easy reach and not secured that parent fails in their duty. In this case, a little one was injured, but thankfully, not killed. This could easily have turned from trauma to tragedy," Scarpino said. “This case is an important reminder to all gun owners: Secure your weapons appropriately. Always keep them out of reach of children and other household members. It’s the law.”

Prosecutors said Welgos owned several firearms, which he kept in a safe located in his bedroom on a night table next to his bed. On June 11, Welgos left the house, leaving a .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition in the unlocked safe. His 3-year-old child, who was playing in the bedroom, took the loaded firearm from the unlocked safe. While on the bed, the child pulled the trigger and fired one shot, shooting his own right toe/foot and injuring his right hand.

The toddler was taken to the Westchester County Medical Center and was treated for injuries.

Welgos is facing charges because he failed to securely lock the firearm in a safe storage depository and failed to render it incapable of being fired by use of a gun-locking device appropriate to that weapon. The gun was registered and Welgos held a legal target permit for the firearm.

Welgos’ next court date is scheduled for Aug. 18, in Harrison Town Court.

Special Prosecutions Assistant District Attorney Christine Cervasio is prosecuting the case.