6-year-old girl transported after shooting in Oakland Park

BSO: Girl in critical but stable condition after accidentally being shot by brother

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – A 6-year-old girl has been taken to the hospital after she was shot by her brother, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened Saturday evening in the 5900 block of Northeast 2nd Terrace in Oakland Park.

According to BSO deputies, the girl was accidentally shot by her 13-year-old brother with a handgun inside their living room. Deputies said the parents were not home at the time of the shooting.

Neighbors told Local 10's Carlos Suarez the girl was shot in the chest.

"He shot her. He shot the sister," said neighbor Tommy Milano.

The girl was transported to Broward Health Medical Center where she is currently listed in critical, but stable condition.

In shock, neighbors described how paramedics wasted little time in getting her to the hospital.

"They didn't use a stretcher," said neighbor Justin Latourrette. "They walked her and carried her straight in their arms."

The children's aunt, apparently unaware of what happened, arrived at the home only to see deputies outside her sister's home.

"She was running up and down the street screaming," said Milano. "She came up to me asking if she's okay. At the time, I didn't know what she was talking about. Then, I found out from the neighbor."

Investigators aren't quite sure how the older brother was able to get a hold of a handgun. Detectives trained to deal with children were seen talking to the teen in the front yard.

"It is very difficult when you're dealing with children," said Dani Moschella of the Broward Sheriff's Office. "Specifically, children that went through a very, very traumatic situation because this family will never be the same afterwards, no matter how it ends up."

"It's not right for a little girl or any kid to get access to a weapon," said Latourrette. "That little girl there, God hope she survives through it."

Charges in the case will depend on where the brother got a hold of the gun. Detectives questioned the parents Saturday night at the hospital.

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