Boy shot by uncle at Wild Acres
By Anya Tikka
DINGMANS FERRY — An 11-year-old boy from Dingmans Ferry died Saturday after his uncle shot him in the head, according to the Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove.
After receiving a 911 call at about 5:30 p.m. on May 3, state troopers arrived at the scene at the Wild Acres development in Delaware Township. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene, said Lieutenant Christopher L. Paris, Blooming Grove Station Commander, over the phone.
The boy, who was identified as H.P. in the state police report, had been visiting his maternal grandparents at the development, where his uncle, 34-year old Chad Olm, also lives. He lived in Wayne County. Another 11-year old, Olm’s son, was also at the house.
Olm was reportedly showing his guns to the two boys. He pointed a loaded gun with a laser sight at HP, then pulled the trigger.
Olm is being held in Pike County Correctional Facility, said Lt. Paris. He’s been charged with three criminal offences: criminal homicide, recklessly endangering another person, and endangering welfare of children.
The Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Record states: “A person is guilty of Criminal Homicide if he recklessly, under circumstances manifesting indifference to the value of human life with criminal negligence, causes the death of another human being; in that the defendant did point a loaded firearm equipped with a laser sight, at an eleven year old child, and then discharged the said firearm causing the death of H.P., and eleven year old child.”
Paris said the state police could not comment on whether Olm had a previous record of violence or substance abuse.
“This is an isolated incident at Wild Acres," Paris said. "Olm has been charged with homicide.”
He said the family is devastated, losing the irreplaceable, and that it is a tragedy for society.
“You should always handle every gun as if it’s loaded,” Paris said.
Officials from Delaware Township Supervisor’s Office and Wild Acres Lakes and Property Board Association declined to comment.