Medford police may file charges against a stepfather who allegedly left a loaded gun near a napping 4-year-old who accidentally shot himself in the foot Saturday.
"There are a variety of criminal charges that could come into play in this case," said Medford police Lt. Tim Doney.
The boy found a .40-caliber handgun on the headboard of his parents' bed, where he was taking a nap, Doney said. He was taken to Rogue Valley Medical Center, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the left foot and ankle and released.
The stepfather, Christopher Burgdorf, 44, applied pressure to the wound until emergency crews arrived at the scene Saturday afternoon in the 2700 block of Merriman Road, Doney said.
"It could have been far worse," he said.
The boy's mother, Renee Burgdorf, 44, was at the house at the time. The boy has a twin brother, police said.
Doney said there is a possibility that some kind of charge or charges could be brought in this case.
The Burgdorfs were married Aug. 8 and are both graduates of Eagle Point High School.
Doney said investigators are still piecing together what happened leading up to the discharge of the weapon and are interviewing family members. The weapon has been seized by investigators.
Accidents with children and guns aren't common in Medford, Doney said. "It's not that frequent where it turns into somebody getting shot," he said.
Doney said police recommend parents secure any weapon in a safe or with gun locks, which are available free from Medford police by calling 774-2268.
"We'd rather dole out free gun locks than respond to incidents like this," Doney said.
Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com.
