NORTH PORT, FLORIDA — Police are investigating an accidental shooting involving a 6-year-old child who shot her grandmother while the latter was driving, according to reports.
The incident happened on Thursday afternoon in the 4200 block of Tollefson Avenue in North Port, according to Fox 13.
According to the North Port Police Department, the grandmother had recently been to a gun range and left the gun in the car. Officers were called to the scene after the grandmother called to report that her granddaughter shot her.
Police say the child accidentally fired a single shot through the driver’s seat, striking the grandmother in the lower back.
North Port police spokesman Josh Taylor emphasized the danger of the situation, noting that it was only “a matter of inches, pointing the gun a different direction” that could have led to more serious injuries.
Detectives say the shooting appears to be accidental. The grandmother was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with non-threatening injuries.
North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison stressed the importance of gun safety in the incident.
“This is an unfortunate example of the importance of gun safety,” he said according to Fox 13. “Please take appropriate measures to make sure children cannot access firearms. This could have been much worse, not only for the grandmother but for the child. Thankfully, it appears that everyone is going to be okay.”
The incident underscores the need for responsible gun ownership and safe storage practices, especially when children are present.