A three-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with his father's loaded handgun outside a Burger King in Bartow, Florida, on Thursday evening, according to police.
The child was in the backseat of a car when he picked up the weapon while his father, who was legally permitted to carry a firearm, tried to resolve a declined credit card payment for their dinner, authorities said.
The family had moved from Connecticut to central Florida just four months earlier and were preparing to celebrate the youngster's fourth birthday the following week.
Father's Gun Left in Vehicle
Police said the father's credit card payment was declined at the drive-thru. He parked nearby to sort out the problem and removed a Glock handgun from his waistband, leaving it inside the vehicle. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the weapon had become uncomfortable as the father leaned forward.
Investigators believe the boy picked up the gun while playing in the backseat, without his dad realising what was happening. Sheriff Judd said the father was still in shock as investigators tried to establish what happened.
He said: “At this point in the investigation, we think dad took the gun out. He laid it down. He doesn’t remember where – he is still in a state of shock.”
Investigation and Response
Sheriff Judd added: “And while he’s trying to figure out how to pay for dinner with a credit card, the child obviously sees the gun, picks it up and is playing with it, and shoots himself in the face. This is a horrible tragedy, and that’s all the indication that we see at this point in time.”
Investigators reviewed restaurant CCTV showing the father getting out of the car and running around after the shot. A woman in a nearby vehicle was also seen getting out and calling 911. Officers discovered a bullet hole through the car's roof. The shooting happened at the restaurant on East Van Fleet Drive at around 6.23pm.
Responding officers began efforts to save the boy before he was rushed to Lakeland Regional Health. Hospital staff continued treating him, but he was pronounced dead at around 7.30pm.
No Immediate Charges Expected
Sheriff Judd said the father held a concealed-weapons permit. He also said both parents were cooperating with investigators and had no known criminal history. He added legal action could not be taken for at least seven days.
Based on the initial findings, he said there was “no appetite” to pursue criminal charges. The findings would be submitted to the State Attorney’s Office, which would decide whether charges should be brought. Authorities stressed that the account remained preliminary as officers continued interviewing witnesses and examining evidence.
