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Adelanto Father Arrested In Accidental Shooting Of 7-Year-OId Son

ADELANTO (CBSLA.com) — Police announced the arrest of a 40-year-old man Friday who they believe accidentally shot and killed his son in San Bernardino County.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Thursday, deputies responded to a home in the 18000 block of Bellflower Street, near the corner of Barlett Avenue, for report of an accidental shooting of a 7-year-old boy.

The child later identified as Daniel Cervantes was rushed by ambulance to Victor Valley Global Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Sheriff's officials originally believed the child accidentally shot himself; however, further investigation led to his father's arrest.

Julio Cervantes Sr., who is a new church pastor in the area, was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, police said.

CBS2's Adrianna Weingold on Friday spoke to stunned neighbors.

Many were shocked at the accidental shooting and others by the fact the church was eerily quiet.

"Its rare to see that up here, because it's so quiet but it's crazy, and then for it to be over a church, it's just ridiculous," said Tony Holloway.

Neighbors told Weingold the pastor got into an argument with someone outside the church, fired his weapon and struck the boy by accident. Police would not confirm this account but said the shooting was an accident.

The boy's friends remember him as a kind and playful boy who often invited them over to play tag or go swimming.

"It's hard for me to see that he's gone," said Cinia Douglas. "He was like my best friend, and I really loved him as a brother."

Anyone with information regarding this incident was urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at (909) 387-3589.

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