BARTOW, FL — Tragic news out of Bartow Thursday evening as Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself with a Glock 9mm handgun while sitting inside a vehicle at the Burger King on East Van Fleet Drive. The heartbreaking incident occurred just four days before the child’s fourth birthday.
According to Sheriff Judd, at approximately 6:23 p.m., the child’s father arrived at the Burger King drive-thru to order food. After experiencing difficulties paying with his debit card, the father pulled into the parking lot to resolve the payment issue.
The sheriff explained during the press conference that the father became uncomfortable with the Glock handgun in his waistband while bending over to resolve the payment issue. He removed the firearm from his waistband and placed it nearby inside the vehicle. The child, who was not restrained in a car seat, then gained access to the firearm.
Moments later, a gunshot rang out as the child accidentally discharged the handgun, striking himself in the face. Sheriff Judd also revealed that investigators observed a visible bullet hole in the ceiling of the vehicle.
Surveillance footage captured the father frantically seeking help immediately after the shooting.
Officers with the Bartow Police Department arrived within minutes and immediately began lifesaving measures. Bartow Police Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy described the scene as heartbreaking and praised the responding officers for their efforts to save the child.
The boy was transported by ground ambulance to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30 p.m.
During the press conference, Judd also revealed that the family had moved to Florida from Connecticut approximately four months ago. Both parents work as managers at a Lowe’s warehouse.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
