The 3-year-old boy who was shot at an Applewood Farms home Wednesday evening found a handgun and shot himself in the shoulder, according to a city press release.

His injuries are not considered life-threatening, according to the release. He is hospitalized at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

The incident was reported at 7:34 p.m. in the 200 block of Jonathan Way.

Investigators found that the boy found the handgun that was kept in the home for protection and accidentally shot himself in the upper shoulder, according to the release. The mother was the only adult at home when the incident occurred, along with another child, age 2.   

The investigation remains ongoing at this time and charges are pending.  

The Suffolk Police Department reminds citizens that if you have children in your house and you keep firearms, keep the guns locked and unloaded, with the ammunition locked in a separate location.

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office has free gun safety locks as part of its Project ChildSafe program available in their office located at the Godwin Courts Building, 150 N. Main St.