NorCal Boy, 3, Accidentally Shoots Self

REDDING, Calif. (AP) -- A 78-year-old Northern California man is facing gun charges after authorities say his 3-year-old great-grandson accidentally shot himself with a handgun.

Shasta County District Attorney Steve Carlton told the Record Searchlight that John Edward Stepp faces a misdemeanor charge of failing to properly store a firearm that allowed the boy access to the loaded 9-millimeter gun.

Carlton termed the shooting as "100 percent avoidable."

Investigators say Grady Stepp shot himself with a gun at his great-grandfather's home outside Shingletown on Feb. 13, causing damage to both lobes of his brain.

The boy was in fair condition at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

If convicted, Edward Stepp could be sentenced to up to a year in jail and fines.

It's not known if has retained an attorney, and no court date has been set.

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