WASHINGTON, Nov 25, (Agencies): In Omaha, Nebraska, tragedy struck on Thanksgiving when a 10-year-old boy named Kendrick McDonald was fatally shot. The incident unfolded late Thursday night around 11:30 pm, prompting a swift response from the police, as detailed in a press release from the Omaha Police Department (OPD) on Friday.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement discovered Kendrick suffering from a gunshot wound. The Omaha Fire Department rushed him to Nebraska Medicine, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

The father of the young victim, 47-year-old Will McDonald, has been taken into custody. Will faces charges of "criminal homicide, use of a weapon-gun, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person." Currently, he is held without bail at the Douglas County Jail.

Expressing condolences, the OPD conveyed its deepest sympathies to Kendrick's grieving family. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kendrick's death is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine the precise sequence of events.

According to Omaha Police Capt Jeremy Christensen, the tragedy may have unfolded in response to a car alarm near the McDonalds' residence. "We do know that there was allegedly a car alarm going off, and for whatever reason, the suspect/father went outside to maybe investigate that," said Christensen. However, the exact details remain unclear, and the investigation aims to piece together the unfolding of events.

As of the latest update, the police are uncertain about Kendrick's mother's presence during the incident and whether Will may have mistaken his own son for a potential car thief. Christensen emphasized the ongoing efforts to unravel the intricacies of the situation.

While confirming the recovery of a handgun at the scene, Christensen disclosed that other children were present in the house during the tragic event. However, specific details, such as the number of shots fired, have not been disclosed.

Don Kleine, an attorney for Douglas County, mentioned that charges against Will could be filed as early as Sunday.