The Brief
A 3-year-old was shot in the arm by an unsecured firearm, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Detectives say Steve Johnson, 30, left a gun unsecured in the same bed the child was sleeping in.
The 3-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Police Department has charged a man after a 3-year-old was shot in the arm by an unsecured firearm.
What we know
According to TPD, on April 14 around 7:14 p.m. the child was in bed with his mother and her boyfriend, 30-year-old Steve Johnson. Detectives say Johnson left a gun unsecured in the bed after getting up to use the restroom.
TPD said the child gained access to the firearm, which discharged and struck the 3-year-old in the forearm.
The child’s mother immediately rendered aid and contacted law enforcement. The child was transported to a nearby hospital with stable, non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies said through the investigation they learned Johnson was a convicted felon and was unlawfully in possession of a gun.
What they’re saying
“It is incredibly fortunate that this was not a fatal tragedy,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “This incident highlights the double danger of a convicted felon unlawfully possessing a firearm and then failing to secure it. A gun should never be within reach of a child. There is no excuse for such negligence when the cost could easily have been a young life.”
Johnson was arrested and charged with the following:
Felon in possession of a firearm
Child neglect with great bodily harm
What we don’t know
It’s unclear how Johnson got ahold of a firearm.
What’s next
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Tampa Police Department will provide updates when they become available.
The Source
This article was written using information from the Tampa Police Department.