Seffner Man Charged With Accidentally Shooting Child

BRANDON, FL — A 28-year-old Seffner man has been charged with child neglect with great bodily harm after being accused of accidentally discharging a gun and shooting a child.

Anthony Rodriguez was arrested Tuesday in connection with an accidental shooting on March 12.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, just before 7 p.m. March 13, a boy under the age of 12 was taken to the emergency room at Brandon Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound.

Deputies said Rodriguez was watching the child when he attempted to disassemble a Glock semi-automatic pistol. Rodriguez said he believed the weapon had no bullets in it when he pulled the trigger. A bullet struck the boy in the lower torso.

Due to the severity of the child's injuries, he was transferred to Tampa General Hospital's trauma unit.

“During this stressful time and with children spending more time at home, I think it’s extremely important that we don’t lose perspective on safety," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This very unfortunate incident was completely preventable. It should serve as a reminder to all of us with firearms in the home to take extra precautions when cleaning, unloading and storing weapons."

Rodriguez' bond was set at $7,500.