Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Oakley Father Cleaning His AR-15 Rifle Accidentally Shoots 5-Year-Old Son, Police Say

The 5-year-old boy was airlifted after being grazed by a bullet during accidental discharge of an AR-15-style rifle while cleaning, police said the child is expected to recover.

  • On Sunday night, an Oakley father accidentally shot his 5-year-old son in the torso with an AR-15-style rifle while cleaning his guns at a home on Hemlock Court; the boy was airlifted to a hospital and is expected to recover.
  • The father told investigators he retrieved the rifle from a case, mistakenly believing it was empty, before accidentally pulling the trigger; police initially received reports of a man shooting himself, updating the call upon arrival.
  • Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard called the incident a "tragic event," noting the injury was a "grazing wound" rather than a penetrating one, and warned that "firearms should always be treated as if they are loaded."
  • Following the shooting, officers executed a search warrant and seized all firearms from the residence; police stated they do not suspect intentional harm but will submit findings to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office for review.
  • The child underwent surgery following the incident and maintains a healthy prognosis, while neighbor Will McNally described the family as "really quiet people" who moved in a few months ago.
Insights by Ground AI

14 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

KTVU FOX 2 broke the news in Oakland, United States on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal