Child Injured by Stray Bullet in Clearfield County

Shooting incident leaves 5-year-old with non-life-threatening injuries

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A 5-year-old girl in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania was struck by a stray bullet while nearby individuals were target shooting, according to state police. The child suffered soft tissue damage to her back, but her injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Why it matters

Accidental shootings involving children are a serious public safety concern, highlighting the need for responsible gun ownership and safety practices, especially in residential areas. This incident raises questions about firearm regulations and enforcement to prevent such accidents.

The details

Pennsylvania State Police responded to a report of a shooting on Deer Creek Road in Morris Township, Clearfield County, where they found a 5-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to her back. Authorities believe the injury was caused by a stray bullet from nearby target shooting.

  • The incident occurred last Thursday.

The players

Pennsylvania State Police

The state law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

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The takeaway

This accidental shooting underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for stricter regulations to protect children and communities from the dangers of unsupervised firearms, even in rural areas.