Girl, 2, in stable condition after accidental shooting

Staff report

youngstown

A 2-year-old is in stable condition after an accidental shooting in a South Side home Friday night.

Police responded to St. Elizabeth Health Center where they observed a gunshot wound to the left side of the girl’s face. The bullet entered her lower left cheek, leaving a 5-inch wound before exiting her upper cheek.

Police arrested Wally Moxley, 30, of Youngstown for having weapons while under disability after finding the fired handgun under the couch at his home.

The victim’s grandmother said she was watching TV with Moxley, her future daughter-in-law and her three grandchildren when she heard a gunshot. The family then found the 2-year-old in the basement.

Police found spent 9mm casings and a 9mm handgun under a couch in the home and believe the girl found the gun in a dresser drawer where Moxley said he kept the gun.

Moxley admitted he hid the gun under the couch after the accidental shooting.

He was arrested at St. Elizabeth’s after taking the 2-year-old to the hospital.

Police said they also retrieved several bags of marijuana from the home but have not filed related charges at this time.

Police planned to notify Mahoning County Children Services but determined that the home was safe for the two other children to stay there Friday night.