Footage from a neighbour's security camera had shown the toddler holding the pistol in the hallway of the complex in the city of Beech Grove and at one point pulling the trigger.

However, no bullets were fired from the weapon, according to Indianapolis TV station WXIN.

While no rounds were in the gun's chamber, there were 15 rounds in the magazine.

The toddler's father, 45, was arrested and is expected to appear in court for his initial hearing on Tuesday afternoon, NBC News has reported.

Live footage of the father's arrest was filmed by and broadcast on the reality TV show called On Patrol: Live, which follows law enforcement officers on duty, Beech Grove Police Department has said.

The father has been accused of felony neglect of a dependent, police said.

The boy, whose age has not been reported, does not appear to have been harmed in the incident.

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Police seized a semiautomatic Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol during the arrest, WXIN reported.

Beech Grove mayor Dennis Buckley said he had received notification of the incident shortly after it took place.

He said: "As with all of you, I'm mortified at what took place and I'm so thankful that no one was hurt, especially the young child."

The mayor added: "I appreciate the quick action taken by the Beech Grove Police Department to secure the small child and the gun in question.

"I ask that the Marion County Prosecutor's Office work tirelessly to secure charges and a conviction against the responsible parties, with maximum penalties. Society shouldn't accept anything less."