WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — An 11-year-old child is in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center (HMC) after being accidentally shot by their teen sibling, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Department said in a social media post on Thursday morning.
Deputies responded on Wednesday around 7:45 p.m. to a dispatch call from a 13-year-old saying they shot their younger sibling with a handgun, the post said. Deputies secured the handgun when they arrived and immediately began giving aid to the victim.
Medical personnel initially transported the child to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, before the victim eventually was brought to HMC. Harborview is the only pediatric and adult trauma center in the state for level one care, the highest level of care for major injuries.
The post said deputies were told the shooting was an accident. The children were home alone at the time of the shooting, according to deputies.
The children attend schools in the Mount Baker School District according to the department. The district has additional counseling and staff available across all campuses.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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