By Crystal Cranmore and Diana Rocco

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A 4-year-old boy was rushed to an area hospital Saturday night after reportedly shooting himself in the chest.

Authorities say the shooting happened a little before 7 p.m. at a home in the 6200 block of Cardiff Street. The child found the loaded 9mm handgun under a pillow in his mother’s bedroom, started playing with it and accidentally shot himself one time in his chest, according to police.

Police say the 23-year-old mother, who was downstairs at the time of the incident, keeps a gun under her pillow for protection. When she heard the gun go off, she called police who then rushed the child to the hospital.

The Barrineaus, who live next door, say they don’t know the family but are shocked and saddened to hear this happened to the little boy.

“To put a loaded gun under your pillow, where you’re going to put your head at night? That kind of freaks me out,” said Michelle Barrineau.

“Even as a father, this is something that is gun-wrenching. Nobody ever wants to turn around and see that done to their children,” said John Barrineau.

The child was taken to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where he is undergoing surgery. He is listed in critical condition.

Police are investigating.