Boy, 12, Dies After Accidentally Shooting Self In Lakeland: Police

LAKELAND, FL — A 12-year-old boy is dead after he accidentally shot himself while at a friend's house for a sleepover, authorities said.

Lakeland police said officers were called to the 5500 block of Starling Loop around 7 p.m. for a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found the boy with a gunshot wound and took him to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

According to police, the boy was dropped off at the home by his mother for a sleepover with a 13-year-old friend. Detectives said the two boys were in the garage when the victim found a loaded handgun inside a car. According to police, the gun fired one round as the boy was handling it.

Police said the victim's mother told officers she was under the impression that an adult was at home supervising the sleepover; however, police said no adults were at the residence.

According to authorities, the family members of the boy's friend were at work and told police they had not given the boy permission to have a guest over.

Police are not releasing the name of the victim in accordance with Marsy's Law.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Detective Troy Smith at 863-834-8958 or Troy.Smith@Lakelandgov.net.