The Chandler Police Department says a 3-year-old girl shot on Thursday night has died, and her father has been taken into custody.
Officers responded to the home near Ray and Alma School roads around 8 p.m.
Police say the shooting was a "horrific incident for all involved" and the investigation is still ongoing.
Both parents are said to be "very distraught," including the girl's mother who had to call 911.
"It was a very hysterical female that was not able to get a whole lot out to us but she mentioned someone had been shot and was dying inside the home," said Detective Seth Tyler with the Chandler Police Department. "It was very difficult for all on the scene, not just the people at the scene, but the 911 operator who had to take the call. This family's world was completely turned upside down in a matter of seconds."
The victim's father, 33-year-old Eric Sands, was arrested and is being held for prohibited possessor and dangerous drugs charges. The investigation is still ongoing, though the shooting appears to be accidental, and more charges may be added.
Police say the child was shot with a shotgun in the abdomen, but details on how the shooting happened have not been released.
Stay with ABC15 and abc15.com for updates on this developing situation.
