FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – One day after gunfire injured a 4-year-old boy in a corner unit apartment, the Broward Sheriff’s Office tells Local 10 the child actually shot himself by accident — while he was being cared for by a relative.
Authorities said the shooting happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday at a home near the corner of Northwest 27th Avenue and Sixth Court.
11 p.m. report:
Deputies said they arrived to find the boy, who has not been identified as of Wednesday morning, suffering from a gunshot wound and quickly rushed him to a nearby hospital.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation revealed the victim was being cared for by a family member when he obtained an unsecured gun and accidentally shot himself.
Crime scene tape surrounded the home for hours as investigators moved in and out, gathering evidence and speaking with neighbors and family members.
Video from Sky 10 showed Sixth Court blocked off as deputies canvassed the area.
Some neighbors said they were surprised to learn that any children even lived in the home.
On Wednesday, Local 10’s Terrell Forney visited the apartment in an attempt to speak with those inside. A woman answered the door but declined to speak on camera.
“How’s the kid doing?” Forney asked.
“Can you please take it. Don’t ask me no questions. Just please take this off of my property!! I don’t want to talk to nobody!” the woman responded.
Detectives with BSO’s Special Victims Unit said they’re investigating the circumstances surrounding the non-fatal shooting.
They also confirmed that no arrests have been made at this time and an investigation is ongoing.
BSO also reminded the public to properly secure their firearms and practice essential gun safety tips.
“A firearm should always be unloaded and stored in a locked storage container that isn’t easily accessible to minors. Doing so protects children and adults by preventing unintentional shootings and incidents like this one,” a BSO spokesperson wrote in a statement sent to Local 10 News on Wednesday.
Investigators have not released the name of the child or said whether any adults will face charges. They confirmed that the boy is expected to recover from his injuries.
Anyone with information is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
