Four-year-old boy shoots two-year-old sister

In August, after Lakewood's James Chavez was arrested for leaving a loaded gun in his kindergartner's backpack, a police spokesman called the situation a "tragedy waiting to happen." He'd probably describe the situation in the western Colorado community of Dinosaur in much the same way -- except that something tragic...

By Michael Roberts

October 6, 2010

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In August, after Lakewood's James Chavez was arrested for leaving a loaded gun in his kindergartner's backpack, a police spokesman called the situation a "tragedy waiting to happen." He'd probably describe the situation in the western Colorado community of Dinosaur in much the same way -- except that something tragic (though not fatal) did occur.

The story comes to us from the Craig Daily Press, which reports that a four-year-old boy shot his two-year-old sister with a gun left "in an area accessible to the children."

Moffat County Sheriff's Office investigator Jeremy Ashton told the paper that the bullet struck the girl on the right side, traveling along her ribs before exiting through her lower torso. This path avoided vital organs, but the wound was serious enough for her to be transported by air from a hospital in the nearby community of Rangely to St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction.

At last report, the investigation into the case was still underway, with no charges filed to date. Which means somebody might be in a lot of trouble -- and we're not just talking about big brother...

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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