TAMPA, Fla. – A three-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with a handgun left unsecured in a bed on Tuesday, according to the Tampa Police Department. The incident, which took place on the 3600 block of North 51st Street, led to the arrest of 30-year-old Steve Johnson.
According to investigators, the child was in bed with his mother and Johnson around 7:14 p.m. when Johnson reportedly got up to use the bathroom. Police say he left a firearm sitting in the bedding. During those few moments, the toddler reached for the weapon, causing it to fire. The bullet struck the boy in his forearm.
The mother immediately provided first aid while calling 911. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and transported the child to a local hospital. Fortunately, the medical staff listed his injuries as stable and non-life-threatening…