9-month-old son dies after allegedly being shot by 19-year-old father in Midtown

A 9-month-old child has died after his 19-year-old father shot the child and then himself in Midtown on Tuesday.

Pima County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about suicide threats in the 5500 block of North Shannon Road around 5 p.m.

Officers learned that the 19-year-old, identified as Gabriel Huerta, had made suicidal statements to his family before leaving the home with his 9-month-old son, the news release said.

Officers received information that he may be armed and that he had indicated he was going to hurt himself and his son, the news release said. His vehicle, a red Ford Fusion, was located near Himmel Park, close to North Tucson Boulevard and East Hawthorne Street. Officers began positioning themselves in the area, but Huerta fled on foot into an alley, the news release said. Moments later, gunshots were heard.

Officers found Huerta, who had reportedly shot himself and his son multiple times, the news release said. Huerta and his son were transported to a local hospital. The child died from his injuries. Huerta is still unresponsive and in critical condition.

The investigation is ongoing.