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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Tragedy struck in Florida as a toddler lost his life on Monday after accidentally shooting himself at his Jacksonville residence.
Authorities from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a distress call at a house located in the Northside area shortly after 10 p.m.
The incident involved a 2-year-old boy who was rushed to the hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Unfortunately, the young child succumbed to his injuries.
“Our Homicide Unit detectives continue to investigate how the boy was able to get ahold of the weapon,” JSO said. No arrests had been made in the case as of Tuesday afternoon.
“As our investigation continues, our hearts are with everyone who loved the little boy during his short life,” JSO said.
JSO described the incident as “a 100% preventable tragedy” and provided the following advice for parents:
Being a responsible gun owner starts with safe storage.
- If a firearm isn’t on you, it should be secured.
Parents and guardians, talk to your kids.
- Teach children that real guns are not toys and can seriously hurt or kill someone.
“In Florida, it is against the law to knowingly leave a loaded firearm accessible to a child under 16 when the child could gain access without permission,” JSO said. “If a child accesses an unsecured firearm and uses it to cause injury or death, the gun owner may face criminal charges, in addition to the devastating consequences for the child, family, and community.”
The agency offers gun locks at their District 1 (5258 Norwood Avenue) and District 2 (9119 Merrill Road) substations.