KISSIMMEE, FL — A 2-year-old boy from Georgia died after a 4-year-old relative found an unsecured gun inside a vehicle and unintentionally shot the toddler outside at a vacation rental community in Kissimmee on Sunday, according to multiple reports.
The shooting happened around 4 p.m. in the Cove East at Storey Lake community, WFTV said.
The family had just arrived from Georgia and adults were checking into the rental property when the children were left in the car alone, Spectrum News 13 reported.
"The 4-year-old found the firearm in the vehicle unsecured, retrieved it and discharged the firearm, striking the 2-year-old and subsequently killing the child," Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon said, according to reports.
He added, “The gun was unsecured. I would think if it was in a holster, maybe it’d make it harder for the child to manipulate as well. But it’s literally laying out by itself, so it’s easy to grab.”
The victim was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando, where the child was later pronounced dead, WESH reported.
The two children involved weren’t siblings, but were related, reports said.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted after the shooting.
Blackmon said that as the investigation continues, charges could be filed against the parents, reports said.
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