YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown police are stressing gun safety after a 4-year-old child was hurt in a Monday shooting on McBride Street. 

Youngstown officials held a news conference Tuesday afternoon to urge the public to keep their guns locked and away from children.

Officials are leaning towards Monday's shooting being an accident. Police say a handgun was believed to have been on a nightstand before the child suffered from the gunshot wound.

"After speaking to the detectives that were at the scene yesterday, we're leaning towards this was an accidental shooting," Captain Rod Foley said. "There was a loaded firearm accessible to a small child. There was a mother close by, and how quickly these things can happen and tragedy could happen."

Police stress the investigation is ongoing, and they're going to take a few more statements. Officials will also be talking to the prosecutor's office about any possible criminal charges.

As far as the child, he was taken to the hospital in critical condition but officials say he is now in stable condition. 

At the news conference, officials urged people to keep guns in a safe or lockbox that is not accessible to children. The firearm should be partially disassembled while stored or have a gun lock on it. The ammunition should be kept in a separate locked area away from firearms. 

Youngstown police have a partnership with Project ChildSafe so they can provide gun locks free of charge to people in the city. Police say to contact the department for more information. They will also be putting up pamphlets and brochures about gun safety on the city's website.