PETERSBURG, Va. — A 6-year-old girl is dead after a shooting Tuesday night at a Petersburg apartment complex, and the city's police chief says charges will be filed as the investigation continues.
Petersburg Police and EMS responded to the Petersburg East Apartment Complex Tuesday night, where they found the child suffering from a single gunshot wound.
She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.
Petersburg Police Chief Travis Christian said the investigation is ongoing and details remain limited, but sources told me another child was involved in the shooting.
"It was a tough situation in responding because, again, the potential that once we arrive, we'll find a child that's been injured. We never want to see that in our city," Christian said. "Upon their arrival they found a young child, who was suffering from a single gun shot wound."
Christian called on gun owners to secure their firearms and said the cost of a gun lock should not be a barrier.
"As adults, we have to protect our children and in doing so, if we are going to possess these weapons, we have to keep them locked up," Christian said. "Gun locks are free. We offer gun locks, many organizations, insurance companies, gun locks are available for anyone that wants them."
Christian also addressed the broader responsibility that comes with gun ownership.
"I think it's important that we do respect the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution which gives the rights to bear arms. But we also have a responsibility as humans, as parents, as responsible gun owners, to protect our children," Christian said.
While detectives continue to speak with witnesses, Christian was direct about what comes next.
"There will be charges," Christian said.
Christian said his department has a peer support team and chaplains in place to support officers who were on scene and may need to talk about what they experienced.
Anyone with information about the shooting at Petersburg East Apartments is asked to call Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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