A four-year-old boy was injured this Monday in Houston, Texas, after accidentally shooting himself after finding a firearm inside the apartment where he lives with his family, local authorities reported.

The incident occurred around 12:45 pm in a residential complex located at 10700 Fuqua Street, in southeast Houston, according to the Houston Police Department (HPD).

The child was taken alive to the hospital

According to police, paramedics transported the child to Texas Children's Hospital, where he remains alive and receiving medical attention.

HPD Captain Derrick Small explained that officers and forensic experts went to the scene to collect evidence and determine the circumstances of the shooting.

"We are being as thorough as possible. The Houston Forensic Center is processing the scene," Small told local media.

The parents were in the apartment with another baby

At the time of the incident, the child's parents and a baby were inside the home. The baby was unharmed and was placed in the care of another relative, police said.

Detectives are interviewing the parents to determine how the child gained access to the gun and whether there was negligence in securing the firearm.

Captain Small called on the community to strengthen security when storing guns in their homes.

“It's time to remind the public that we must protect and store our guns so that our children are safe,” the officer emphasized.

The case is under active investigation. At this time, police have not indicated whether charges will be filed against the child's parents.