MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A two-year-old was shot in the face after gaining access to an unsecured firearm inside an apartment, Merced Police announced Saturday.  Officials with the Merced Police Department responded to a shooting on Friday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. at an apartment complex near Childs Avenue and B Street. Police said despite being rushed to the hospital, the child was pronounced dead.  "It is not worth it. Spend the time to make your gun safe because the alternative is unthinkable," Todd Cotta said, owner of Kings Gun Center Indoor Range and Gun Store in Hanford.  He said there are many ways for gun owners to safely lock away their firearms. "It's very simple to secure a firearm, whether it's a big floor safe inside of your closet or if it's a small TSA gun lockbox, as long as it has a lock on it, they can't get into it," Cotta said.  Cotta said a safe that is secured to an object or a big heavy safe is the best option. "Kids will find stuff. They have a way, and if something is taboo, that's even more important for them to find it. Lock your guns up," Cotta said.  He said it is inexcusable to allow tragedies like these to occur.  "A safe or even a gun lock you get for free at your local police department. We give them away at my store. There's no excuse why a toddler or even anybody that is under the age of 18 should have access to a gun without a parent present," Cotta said.  The father of the two-year-old has been booked in the Merced County Jail on charges of child endangerment resulting in death.  The Merced Police Department released a statement that read in part: The department extends deepest condolences to the family and community during this incredibly difficult time. Merced Police Department The police department urges all gun owners to safely store firearms out of reach of children to avoid preventable tragedies like this.  "It is a tragic event based on negligence that should never have happened," Cotta said.  Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.