Medford parents charged in accidental shooting

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Medford police have cited the mother and stepfather of a 4-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the foot on Saturday.

Renee Lejahn Bergdorf and Christopher Todd Bergdorf, both 44, who live in the 2700 block of Merriman Road, were cited on charges of recklessly endangering another and second-degree child neglect. They are set to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court at 9 a.m. Dec. 2.

Police said the 4-year-old, who has a twin brother, was napping on the parents’ bed and found a .40-caliber handgun on the headboard when he awakened. He fired a shot that hit his left ankle and foot at about 3 p.m. Saturday.

Christopher Bergdorf applied pressure until emergency medical crews arrived. An ambulance took the boy to Rogue Valley Medical Center, where he was treated and released, police said earlier.

Officials have stressed the importance of securing all weapons and repeatedly said that the police department has free gun locks available by calling 774-2268.

— Anita Burke

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