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4-year-old boy in critical condition after shooting himself: DPD

By and
Updated  February 23, 2025 11:14am EST
Polk County
FOX 13 News

4-year-old finds gun, shoots himself

FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis spoke with a gun shop owner and gun safety advocate about what should be done to prevent incidents like this.

The Brief

    • A 4-year-old boy is in critical condition after he allegedly accidentally shot himself at a Davenport home, according to DPD.
    • Police say the boy went into one of the family's cars in the garage by himself and found a hidden handgun.
    • The parents are currently cooperating with investigators and the names of those involved are not being released right now.

DAVENPORT, Fla. - A 4-year-old boy is in critical condition after Davenport Police say he allegedly accidentally shot himself at a Davenport home.

Police say the family was preparing for an evening outing when the boy went into one of the family's cars in the garage by himself and found a hidden handgun.

A 4-year-old boy is in critical condition after Davenport Police say he allegedly accidentally shot himself at a Davenport home.

Investigators say the boy's parents drove him to AdventHealth hospital, and he was later airlifted to an Orlando hospital.

The parents are currently cooperating with investigators and the names of those involved are not being released right now.

READ: Davis Islands attack: Teens appear in court after being charged as adults

Thomas King, CEO of Florida Firearms Academy in Tampa, said though this is a tragedy, this could have been prevented.

A 4-year-old boy is in critical condition after Davenport Police say he allegedly accidentally shot himself at a Davenport home.

"If you own a firearm, it is critical for you to tell your kid that you have a firearm. You are going to take a firearms safety course, and these are dangerous and can hurt you," he added, "You should get a safe, secure it. If it's in your car, it should have a cable that goes around your chair so that people can't just steal it."

Big picture view:

According to EveryTown's #NotAnAccident Index, as of last Tuesday, there have been at least 21 unintentional shootings by children in the U.S. this year alone.

King said stats like that are why he's launched free youth firearm safety classes for kids 5-to 15 years old. 

He added, "If a kid finds a gun, they're going to know exactly what to do about it. We go over that continuously. They sign a waiver with their parents that come with them."

Police Chief Steve Parker spoke about the tragic incident.

"This is a heartbreaking incident. We are praying this child recovers from his injuries, and we equally pray for the family as they work through this tragedy," Parker said.

Saturday, the Davenport Police Department said the boy remains in critical condition. An investigation is underway.

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The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Davenport Police Department.

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