
Ronald Keith Cote of Paragould has been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor charge after he allegedly left his 13 year old son with a loaded gun. Then according to authorities the 13 year old shot another minor earlier this month, according to reports from Paragould police.

Ronald Keith Cote was arrested Thursday on a bench warrant for endangering the welfare of a minor 1st degree.


On August 20, 2020, the defendant left his 13 year old son in the possession of a loaded handgun according to the affidavit. The child was left alone at the residence with the handgun that was provided to him by Ronald Keith Cote. The minor allegedly shot another minor in the home on August 20th, 2020 according to the report. The report also states the minor child said that his father gave him the gun two days before the incident. The minor went on to say that he and his father had traded guns and that he had never shot the new gun also saying that he always keeps the gun loaded when he is alone at the residence. 
Paragould PD stated more details will be released after Cote appears for a probable cause hearing on Monday.
