Police in Bell County, Texas arrested Justin Ryan Jones, a 34-year-old man who shot his 9-year-old daughter in the chest in what police said was reckless behavior.
An investigation by the sheriff's department revealed the girl's father, Justin Ryan Jones, was watching the girl and her two younger brothers while the children’s grandparents were out of town.
Officials say Jones shot his daughter in the dining room of the residence and his actions concerning the shooting were considered reckless.
Jones has been charged with injury to a child, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The father's bond amount has been set at $25,000.
According to tdtnews.com, Jones was pointing a gun at his children:
Jones reportedly told a Bell County Sheriff’s Department deputy he was showing his children gun safety when the gun he was holding fired and shot his 9-year-old daughter.
But Jones’ son said his father was pretending to shoot them.
The 7-year-old said he liked the clicking sound the gun made. He said his father pulled the trigger and “his sister was shot,” the affidavit said.
Jones’ other son, age 6, said his father was pointing the gun at his sister and held it in both hands while pretending to shoot them.
Justin Ryan Jones was watching his children while their grandparents (who have custody of the children) were out of town. Texas Child Protective Services are investigating. The young girl has been released from the hospital, but only after intensive care and surgeries:
After the shooting, the girl was immediately taken to McLane Children's hospital where she underwent surgery.
Officials say she spent several days in the Intensive Care Unit and additional surgeries were later successfully performed.