A 2-year-old boy was fatally shot around 4:20 p.m. Thursday, and authorities believe it was a self-inflicted gunshot, according to Hinesville Police Department Chief of Detectives Maj. Thomas Cribbs.

The shooting was reported at a home in the 1400 block of Blackhawk Hollow in the Eagles Landing subdivision in Hinesville.

The boy’s father reportedly was outside mowing the lawn when the incident occurred.

The child was taken to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville, where he later was pronounced dead.

The investigation still is in the early stages, according to Cribbs.