WASHINGTON TWP., N.J. — A 10-year-old boy died Tuesday afternoon after being shot in the head inside a home on Westminster Boulevard, police in Gloucester County confirmed.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. inside a residence on the 400 block, where officers responded and found the child with a gunshot wound. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Authorities said early indications suggest the shooting was accidental. The child was identified as a student at Birches Elementary School, located just over a mile away from the home.
In response to the incident, Birches Elementary was placed on lockdown as a precaution. A letter sent to families stated that students and staff were not in any immediate danger.
The Washington Township Police Department and school district officials responded quickly to the school following the report.