Pittsburgh police are offering free gun locks in an effort to combat accidental shootings after two children were killed in separate incidents on Monday.
The gun locks are available at the six zone stations as well as police headquarters on the city’s North Side.
“Taking five to 10 minutes to place the lock on a gun could potentially save a life,” said Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich. “That’s what we’re trying to get out to the public today – that these locks are available.”
Two children died in apparent accidental shootings on Monday. A 4-year-old in East Liberty died shortly before 9 a.m. after, police said, he seems to have accidentally shot himself in the face with an unsecured gun.
Less than 12 hours later, a 6-year-old shot their 5-year-old brother at a home in Penn Hills. Allegheny County Police have said three children were playing unsupervised in a bedroom of the Prescott Drive home where there was an unsecured gun.
Police said the gun appears to be legally owned by a parent, who is cooperating with the investigation.
Pittsburgh authorities called gun locks a crucial part of curbing accidental shootings, particularly by children. The locks work by lacing through the magazine chamber into the ejection port before locking into place.
Hissrich urged gun owners to keep their firearms away from children or locked in a secure place.
The Bureau of Police wants to ensure all #Pittsburgh residents are being responsible gun owners.
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
— Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) April 8, 2019
The gun locks are available at the following locations while supplies last:
Police Headquarters
1203 Western Ave., 15233
412-323-7800
Zone 1 Police Station
1501 Brighton Road, 15212
412-323-7201
Zone 2 Police Station
2000 Centre Ave., 15219
412-255-2827
Zone 3 Police Station
830 East Warrington Ave., 15210
412-488-8326
Zone 4 Police Station
5858 Northumberland St., 15217
412-422-6520
Zone 5 Police Station
1401 Washington Blvd., 15206
412-665-3605
Zone 6 Police Station
312 S. Main St., 15220
412-937-3051
