ALBANY, GA. -- Officials with the Dougherty County Sheriff's Department are reminding firearm owners to take precaution to make sure their devices are secure in the home.
This comes after a 10-year-old boy from Smithville died from a gunshot wound suffered while he and a friend were playing with a gun
According to the Legal Community Against Violence, more than 75 percent of guns used in youth suicide attempts and unintentional injuries were stored in the residence of the victim, relative or friend.
This is why authorities are offering free gun locks to anyone in need of one.
“We felt this was a good opportunity to remind firearm owners that if they need a firearm lock to adequately secure their firearm in their home, we have them available at no cost. All they have to do is come ask,” said Colonel John Ostrander, with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials say a properly-applied gun lock is the surest method to prevent the unauthorized use of a firearm by a minor.
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