2-year-old boy injured in accidental shooting at Lindale Mall

CEDAR RAPIDS - A child was injured in an accidental shooting Friday afternoon at Lindale Mall, police said.

The preliminary investigation indicates an accidental discharge from a firearm struck a 2-year-old boy. He is related to the person who had possession of the firearm, police said.

Officials said the boy suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the forearm and was taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for treatment.

Public safety spokesman Greg Buelow said the incident occurred inside the mall near Sweetopia and Pretzelmaker in the food court. Buelow declined to say whether the incident, which was reported around 1:40 p.m., might result in criminal charges, citing the ongoing investigation.

Lindale prohibits the carrying of firearms inside the mall, Buelow said, and signage is posted saying as much.

As of 2:40 p.m. Friday police remained on scene and continued to investigate, the police department said.

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