SBPD reminds the community they offer free gun locks following the death of 1 year old Kylie Brooks

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The South Bend Police Department is offering free gun locks for whoever wants one, no questions asked in hopes to prevent another act of unnecessary violence.

The Department is pushing gun owners to take steps to prevent another trashed y involving a child as the city grieves the loss of 1-year-old Kylin Brooks.

Baby Kylin was shot and killed on Amherst Avenue Tuesday, when he and his two- year-old cousin were reportedly playing near an unsecured gun.

"It’s heartbreaking…it doesn’t make it any easier…there's no excuse for it ever… best case scenario there's damage to property, worst case scenario someone loses their life,” said PFC Aaron Knepper with SBPD who says he has seen the worst-case scenario come to life far too many times.

He showed us how simple the locks are to use, and gave other gun safety tips.

The locks cost 6 to 8 dollars elsewhere and Knepper says there are a number of other affordable options to lock up your firearms, because incidents like this are never excusable.

The Police Department does have a limited supply, so they urge folks to call before heading out to grab a lock.