Pittsburgh Police officials are stressing the importance of responsible gun ownership after two children died in separate shootings this week. The public can pick up a free gun lock at any Pittsburgh Police station while supplies last.
Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich pointed to gun locks as a life or death safety measure in a statement Tuesday.
“Taking five to ten minutes to place the lock on a gun could potentially save a life,” said Hissrich. “That’s what we’re trying to get out to the public today, that these locks are available.”
According to police, a four-year-old boy was found with a gunshot wound in the 500 block of North Negley Avenue Monday morning. Investigators believe the gunshot may have been self-inflicted. The toddler was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Hours later, a 5-year-old was shot and killed by his 6-year-old sibling in Penn Hills. Allegheny County Police responded to the 100 block of Prescott Drive just after 5:33 p.m. Monday. The child was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement about providing free gun locks, police called the devices a “crucial part of the effort to curb accidental shootings by preventing children from discharging a firearm and injuring themselves or others.”
Police have also shared a tutorial about how to use gun locks.
The Bureau of Police wants to ensure all #Pittsburgh residents are being responsible gun owners.
— Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) April 8, 2019
Stop by any city police station or headquarters to pick up a FREE gun lock. While supplies last!
Learn how to properly use a gun lock. 📽⤵️ pic.twitter.com/FooD0FJ4qe
Gun locks will be available at all zones in the city and at police headquarters on Western Avenue in the North Side while supplies last.
Information about where to obtain a gun lock can be found below:
Police Headquarters
1203 Western Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-323-7800
Zone 1 Police Station
1501 Brighton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-323-7201
Zone 2 Police Station
2000 Centre Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-255-2827
Zone 3 Police Station
830 East Warrington Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15210
412-488-8326
Zone 4 Police Station
5858 Northumberland Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-6520
Zone 5 Police Station
1401 Washington Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-665-3605
Zone 6 Police Station
312 S. Main Street Pittsburgh PA 15220
412-937-3051
