7-year-old boy shot in leg with gun left in vehicle, police say

Child taken to hospital with serious injuries

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A 7-year-old boy shot himself in the leg Wednesday morning with a gun that had been left inside a vehicle, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. in the 3200 block of West Davie Boulevard.

A witness told Local 10 News reporter Sanela Sabovic that the child was alone in the car while his father went into Winn-Dixie. He said the boy was playing with the gun when it went off and the father returned to the car in a panic.

A 7-year-old boy was seriously injured Jan. 15, 2020, when he shot himself in the leg. (WPLG)

“He cried and said, ‘Dad, Dad, Dad,’" Jekel Artiles said.

According to Artiles, police responded to the scene in minutes.

Fort Lauderdale police spokeswoman Casey Liening said the child was taken to Broward Health Medical Center with serious injuries.

Fort Lauderdale Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan confirmed the boy is listed in stable condition.

The child’s father was seen at the hospital in tears, being consoled by a loved one.

Police took the father’s clothes as evidence and he was seen exiting a squad car, though he has yet to be charged.

The case remains under investigation.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.