A WISCONSIN DEPUTY IS FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES AFTER HE HAD HIS 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER SHOOT AT WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS A TURKEY HEAD. INSTEAD, SHE SHOT A 7-YEAR-OLD AND HIS FATHER. (PHOTO).

 A Wisconsin deputy is facing criminal charges after he  had his 3-year-old daughter shoot at what he thought was a turkey head. Instead, she shot a 7-year-old and his father.

Formal charges have officially been filed against 35-year-old James Lehman. Following this announcement, James has been placed on administrative leave from the Racine County Sheriff's Department. 

James is facing 2 counts of injury by negligent use of a dangerous weapon, and 2 counts of second-degree reckless injury.

The charges stem from an absolutely shocking incident that has left a 7-year-old boy with pellets still lodged in his brain, spinal cord, and skull even after undergoing multiple surgeries. The child's 40-year-old father was also shot during the incident. 

The troubling scene unfolded at a youth turkey hunt back on April 12th. James Lehman and his 3-year-old daughter were participating in the hunt along with multiple other parents and children. 

During the hunt, James alleges he spotted what he "thought was a turkey's head". With his would-be quarry in his sights, James encouraged his 3-year-old daughter to "pull the trigger" on his semi-automatic 12 gauge shot gun that he was utilizing for the hunt.

Although the aim was true, sadly, James's assessment of their quarry ...was not. What followed was pure chaos. 

The shotgun blast struck a father-son duo who were also hunting for turkeys during the event.

The father was hit in the back, lower torso, left arm, and hand. After being treated for his injuries, he was released from the hospital that night. 

The 7-year-old boy was not so lucky . The child underwent surgery, but doctors were unable to remove shotgun pellets lodged in his skull, brain, and near his spinal cord.

In the following investigation James told authorities that he had very little experience with turkey hunting. He also stated, he didn't have a hunter safety certificate because he was exempt after serving in the military. That day with his 3-year-old daughter, along for the hunt, was one of the first times he had hunted turkey independently.

James Lehman has been placed on administrative leave. The Racine County Sheriff's Office is conducting an internal investigation to determine whether James has violated department policies. 

This investigation is independent from the criminal investigation into the shooting.