MPD: 3-year-old shoots, kills self near 20th and Highland

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 3-year-old boy shot and killed himself after obtaining a firearm near 20th and Highland in Milwaukee.

It happened early Friday morning, July 1 around 4:40 a.m., police said.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified the child as Akai William Stilo.

The boy was transported to Children's Wisconsin where he succumbed to his injuries.

A 28-year-old Milwaukee woman was arrested in connection to the incident. Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

"I am disturbed by all gun deaths in Milwaukee, but when the victim is a 3-year-old, I am horrified," Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said in a tweet. "There are too many guns in the hands of people who should not have them. All weapons must be locked and secured in a home."

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman also added his concern for what happened during a news conference.

"I'm always torn and have the empathy for those parents who have to deal with such a tragedy within their homes," Chief Norman said.

MPD emphasized free gun locks are available at district offices throughout the city. The department hopes firearm owners with children in their households take the step to ensure kids are not able to get ahold of guns in their homes and prevent tragedies like this one in the future.

"It's important to protect them and ensure that they're not accidentally hurting themselves or hurting somebody else," said Sgt. Efrain Cornejo of the Milwaukee Police Department.