Police: Mom went back to sleep after hearing 4-year-old child shoot himself

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The mother of the 4-year-old who shot himself has been arrested, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. The affidavit provides more details on the case.

Arieana Scott, 22, was arrested after her child shot himself on Wednesday, March 20. According to BRPD, shortly before 9:30 a.m., officers responded to a reported shooting in the 2200 block of 69th Avenue in Baton Rouge.

Upon arrival, officers found the boy unresponsive, with a life-threatening gunshot wound to his head, according to the affidavit. The child was taken to a local hospital for his injuries.

Police say after locating the gun, officers got a warrant and searched the home. During the search, officers found a loaded .40 caliber Glock handgun equipped with a "switch." One shell casing was found in the child's bedroom. Officers also reportedly found a large bag of marijuana, a scale and small baggies they say is consistent with street-level drug distribution in a closet next to the 4-year-old's bedroom.

During an interview with Scott, she reportedly said she was in her bedroom when she heard a loud noise in the home. Scott said she went back to sleep and woke up a short while later.

Scott called for her son and said he did not respond. She checked his bedroom and found him lying in blood.

Scott initially denied owning the gun and reportedly told officers the marijuana belonged to her boyfriend for personal use. Later, according to the affidavit, she said the firearm was normally stored in her bedroom closet, and she didn't know how he got it.

Scott was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish prison on charges of improper supervision of a minor by a parent, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a machine gun, illegal carrying of a weapon with a Controlled Dangerous Substance and distribution/possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule I drug.

Scott's bond was set at $65,000. She remains behind bars at the East Baton Rouge Jail. 

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