YORK — City police say a 3-year-old boy is recovering after being shot in the back by his father while he was cleaning his handgun.

The toddler required surgery at York Hospital after the .40-caliber bullet passed through his stomach about noon Wednesday.

York police Sgt. Michael Koltunovich said the shooting appeared to have been accidental.

No charges were immediately filed against the father, Reinaldo Vargas-Santana, who had a permit to carry the weapon. The case has been referred to city detectives for further investigation.

Police said officers had to carry the wounded boy nearly two blocks to an ambulance because the streets were clogged with snow.