A Cumberland County father has been charged after authorities say his 3-year-old child gained access to an unsecured firearm and suffered a gunshot wound to the face.

Moses Anthony Molina Sr., 32, was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the incident.

According to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, Bridgeton police responded to an East Avenue residence at approximately 2:57 a.m. after receiving a report that a child had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators determined that Molina and the child’s mother were asleep in a bedroom when they were awakened by a gunshot. They then discovered the child had sustained a gunshot wound to the face.

During the investigation, officers discovered that the firearm involved in the shooting belonged to Molina.

“The firearm had been stored in a bag on the floor,” the prosecutor said in a statement.

The child was transported to a hospital for emergency medical treatment and was reported to be in critical but stable condition.

Authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing. The prosecutor also reminded firearm owners of the importance of secure firearm storage. Information about safe gun storage practices is available on the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office website.