SANDY SPRINGS, GA — A father is behind bars in connection with the shooting death of his 2-year-old son in Sandy Springs.

Police arrested Richard Willis after his son was shot at an apartment complex on Sandalwood Drive. Officers responded Wednesday afternoon to a call of a person shot.

“When they arrived on scene they found a juvenile, a 2-year-old male inside of a home suffering from a gunshot wound,” Officer Jarrell Greene said.

Police say the child later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators determined the gun was not properly secured. Officer Greene previously said the shooting appeared to be accidental.

“We just want to make sure and want to confirm that this is leaning towards, and that this was an accident; you know maybe it looks like a 2-year-old got ahold of a gun,” Greene said.

Authorities say Willis failed to secure the firearm, which led to his son’s death.

Willis is facing second-degree murder and cruelty to children charges. He has been booked into the Fulton County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing.