JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 2-year-old boy died Monday night after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his Northside home, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Officers responded just after 10 p.m. on July 27 after receiving a report that a young child had been shot. The boy was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said its preliminary investigation indicates the child somehow gained access to a firearm inside the home before accidentally shooting himself.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit are investigating how the toddler was able to access the weapon.
Authorities described the incident as a preventable tragedy and urged gun owners to securely store firearms to prevent children from gaining access.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends that firearms be locked in a gun safe, lockbox or secured with a trigger lock whenever they are not being carried. Officials also advise keeping firearms out of the reach of children and never leaving them unsecured inside a home or vehicle.
The agency encouraged parents and guardians to teach children that firearms are not toys and to instruct them to stop, avoid touching the weapon, leave the area and tell an adult if they encounter a gun.
Investigators also reminded the public that Florida law prohibits knowingly leaving a loaded firearm accessible to a child younger than 16 if the child could gain access without permission. If a child obtains an unsecured firearm and uses it to cause injury or death, the firearm owner could face criminal charges.
To help promote safe firearm storage, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it is offering free gun locks at its District 1 substation, located at 5258 Norwood Ave., and its District 2 substation at 9119 Merrill Road. Officials said they are working to restock gun locks at the agency’s remaining substations.
The investigation remains ongoing.