A newly employed police officer from South Carolina has been put on leave because his 4-year-old son shot himself with the officer's gun while they were visiting family in North Miami Beach.
Peter Tidot, aged 29, informed the police that he arrived at his parents' house with his son and placed his Sig Sauer .45 in his waistband with a round in the chamber. WPLG reported. Law enforcement stated that he had apparently left the loaded weapon unsecured and within easy reach of the 4-year-old, who then picked it up and shot himself in the head.
Ronel Tidot, the officer's brother, mentioned that the boy is recovering well at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and is expected to survive.
Peter Tidot, who joined the Columbia Police Department a year ago, called 911 after the incident and waited for police to arrive at the scene.
He faces charges of child neglect causing great bodily harm and culpable negligence.
The Columbia Police issued a statement saying Tidot was placed on investigatory suspension following his arrest. He will remain suspended until the conclusion of the criminal case and an internal investigation by the department.
“We are praying for the speedy recovery of the child and everyone impacted by the incredibly unfortunate incident” Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook said. “Let this serve as a reminder about the importance of gun safety and proper gun storage.”
[Featured image: Peter Tidot/Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation]