Sunday, June 8, at 1:30 p.m., the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from a residence in the neighborhood of Joelee Lane in Leesville, concerning a shooting of a three-year-old child.  The child had been transported by private vehicle to a local medical facility.

Detectives learned that two three-year-old children found a loaded handgun beneath a pillow on a bed.  One child discharged the firearm, striking the other child in the shoulder/chest area.  The child, who was ultimately transported to a Baton Rouge medical facility by ambulance, was listed in serious condition.

Detectives arrested Fernando Mejia, age 35, of Leesville, in relation to the shooting. Mejia was charged with one count of Second-Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile, for failure to properly secure the .40 caliber handgun used in the shooting.

A detainer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was placed on Mejia.  Mejia remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.