Four-Year-Old Girl Seriously Injured in Accidental Shooting Inside New Iberia Home
NEW IBERIA, La. — The New Iberia community is reeling after a tragic incident in which a four-year-old girl was injured in an accidental shooting over the weekend. Authorities say the incident occurred inside a residence in the city on Sunday afternoon, leaving family members and neighbors in shock and grief.
According to the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at a home in the 600 block of [Street Name] shortly after 2 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the young girl suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders immediately rendered aid before rushing her to a local hospital for urgent treatment. She was later transported to a specialized medical facility for further care.
While officials have not released the child’s name due to her age, authorities confirmed that the shooting was accidental and involved a firearm that had been left unsecured in the home. Preliminary investigations indicate that another juvenile may have been handling the gun when it discharged, striking the victim.
Sheriff’s Office spokespersons emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing, with detectives gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the full circumstances leading up to the incident. At this stage, no arrests have been announced, but officials stated that charges could follow depending on the findings.
Local residents expressed their sorrow and disbelief, describing the event as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of firearm safety. “It’s devastating,” said one neighbor. “We all know each other around here, and to see something like this happen to an innocent child is just unimaginable.”
Gun safety advocates have once again stressed the need for responsible firearm storage, especially in households with children. The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office urged gun owners to always keep weapons unloaded, locked, and stored in a secure location out of children’s reach, with ammunition stored separately.
As the little girl continues to fight for her recovery, the community has rallied to support her family. Friends and relatives have set up an online fundraiser to help cover medical expenses and offer assistance during this difficult time. Messages of love, prayers, and well-wishes have poured in from residents across New Iberia and beyond.
The Sheriff’s Office is expected to release more information as the investigation develops. For now, the focus remains on the young girl’s healing and on ensuring that such a tragedy does not happen again.