Father accidentally shoots self & son in DHS

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department arrested a man for being a felon in possession of a gun after he allegedly shot himself and his son by accident Thursday afternoon.

The accidental shooting happened at a home on Estrella Avenue in Desert Hot Springs around 2 p.m., said Lt. Holcomb of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

According Holcomb, 36-year-old Ronald Russell accidentally fired a shotgun into the floor of his home. He reportedly didn’t know the gun was loaded at the time and birdshot ricocheted, striking both him and his 14 year old son.

The boy was taken to the hospital with injuries that appear to be non life-threatening, according to police. Russell was treated on scene and later arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department is investigating and asks anyone with any information to call (760) 329-2904