FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — An Indiana man is facing felony charges after he was shot in the back by a 2-year-old boy who found the gun on a bed, authorities said.
Justin T. Wiley, 32, of Fort Wayne was charged this week with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury and unlawful possession of a handgun. He is not legally allowed to carry a weapon due to previous felony convictions. The Journal Gazette reported.
Fort Wayne police officers found Wiley on Sept. 9 with a gunshot wound to the mid to upper back, according to a probable cause affidavit.
He was shot in the home of a woman who had a protective order against him. Wiley told police he placed the gun on a bed before the 2-year-old boy grabbed it and pulled the trigger, the affidavit said.
The woman told officers she heard the shot. Then Wiley yelled, “He shot me.”
The child had injuries to his right index finger, which was covered in gunpowder, including swelling and blistering, and he repeatedly said “Owie” while looking at his finger, according to the affidavit.
Wiley was released on bail following his initial court appearance on Monday.
The Associated Press left a message Thursday at a phone number listed for Wiley seeking comment on the allegations. Court records do not list an attorney who can speak on his behalf.