A 3-year-old girl accidentally shot herself in the hand with a loaded, unattended gun in Florida Miami-Dade County, resulting in hospitalization.
The chilling episode was captured by surveillance video within the home, revealing the toddler innocently playing and running around before tragically picking up the unattended firearm from the couch.
Florida Tragic Discovery
The unintentional firing of the weapon triggered an instant wave of fear and anxiety among the family members who were there. This unexpected event led to a state of immediate panic and distress.
The Florida authorities swiftly took action, arresting 23-year-old Orlando Young on charges of child neglect with great bodily harm. Young, who was residing at the house with the young girl, stated to the police that he had momentarily left the loaded gun on the couch, carried away by excitement during a football game, neglecting the potential danger.
The sudden, sharp noise caught Young’s attention, making him aware of the unfolding tragedy. As he hurried to investigate, he found the child in a distressing state, visibly injured and bleeding from her right hand.
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Advocating Responsible Firearm Handling
The toddler was rushed to Homestead Hospital for immediate medical attention, and her progress in recovery was later shared by her grandmother in a Facebook post. As of Tuesday, the little girl was safely at home with her mother, beginning her recovery.
Young, facing a count of child neglect with great bodily harm, was taken into custody without incident and detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
In response to this heart-wrenching incident, the Department of Children and Families assured they would conduct a thorough investigation.
Confidentiality was maintained, adhering to Florida statutes, as they take allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment seriously, striving to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the community.
This tragic event serves as a solemn reminder of the crucial need for responsible firearm handling and ensuring the safety of children within households.
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