A 9-year-old child is in critical, but stable condition following a shooting that occurred Monday evening in Newton Township.

The child appears to have accidentally shot himself with a pistol while touching the weapon.

According to Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz, deputies along with other first responders were sent to a residence along Darlington Drive in southern Muskingum County to reports of a minor who was shot in the stomach area.

Scanner traffic indicated that the boy was transported from his home to Genesis Hospital by members of the Newton Township Fire Department.

Lutz added that once at Genesis, the child was stabilized and transported to Children’s Hospital in Columbus where he remains in serious but stable condition.

Lutz wasn’t able to say if charges are anticipated or not until the investigation is completed, but that at this time it appears accidental.