KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The YWCA is working quickly to make changes to its safety precautions after a 10-year-old boy was accidentally shot and Wednesday morning at a Knoxville community center, according to the Knoxville Police Department. The child was in critical condition.
The Phyllis Wheatley Center at 124 S. Cruze St. said it is prioritizing the safety of the children and its staff by installing lockers for students to keep backpacks and other items from mot entering any common areas.
According to authorities, the gun was inside a 14-year-old's backpack when it went off inside the gym. After police detained the teen, they found two guns inside the child's backpack.
The center plans to continue working with its staff, board members and impacted families to make changes. It is operated by the YWCA in Knoxville.
No names have been released.
KPD said the 14-year-old was "nearby" the center when the teen was detained.
The victim was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He is in stable condition, KPD said.
"There is no active threat," a KPD release states. The investigation is ongoing.
Witnesses said the 14-year-old had the gun in a backpack before it accidentally went off.
Monica McMullen, who has lived in the area for years, said she received a phone call from her granddaughter asking if she was ok after hearing about the shooting.
"It upset me so bad because I know it's a good place to be," she said. "I was very concerned about what was happening over there."
The YWCA issued a statement about the incident shortly after it was reported, saying the child's family was contacted. It said staff members contacted families of any children that were at the center attending the summer program, saying those children were being picked up from the facility.
"The safety of the children and staff is the utmost priority of the YWCA. YWCA will determine immediate next steps for review of safety protocols, as well as resources for children and staff following this traumatic event. The YWCA staff and board of directors extend our sincere sympathy to everyone involved, especially the children onsite, the injured person and their loved ones. Please join us in wrapping all of our young people in your love and prayers," it said.
The YWCA said the summer program will be open as scheduled for June 29.
"We understand that many families rely on this program for summer childcare. We will be open for those children and have counselors available onsite to help them process this traumatic experience," the YWCA said.