Updated: 08/03/2012 7:46 PM
Created: 08/03/2012 5:27 PM KSTC45.com | Print Story
By: Beth McDonough

Minn. Gun Safety Law Requires Parents to Take Certain Steps to Secure a Weapon

It's accidental shootings like Jacob Xiong's, that led Minnesota to pass the child access prevention law in the 1990s. It requires parents to take steps to store guns safely. 

Police confirm they took a 9-millimeter, plus two more guns, ammunition and other evidence out of Jacob Xiong's St. Paul home.

Herman Rodgers of Brooklyn Park wants to protect his family.  That's why he bought a gun and a gun case from Bill's Gun Shop.  The thought of a child, his or anyone else's getting a hold of a gun sends shivers up his spine. 

The Minnesota Department of Health tracks accidental gun-related injuries.  In 2010, 122 kids under the age of 17 were hurt.  In 2011, 92 were wounded.  There's been 1 unintentional death. 

Since nearly half of all homes in Minnesota have guns, many children grow up around them. It's a normal part of their lives, which authorities worry can lead to a false sense of security. 

Police remind parents there is a law on the books, the CAP law, which stands for Child Access Prevention, that requires Parents with guns to keep them locked, unloaded and inaccessible to children. It's a gross misdemeanor if you don't. 

The City of St. Paul has prosecuted one case under the CAP law.