Deputies said a 9-year-old accidentally shot a 5-year-old relative after discovering a loaded pistol inside a bedroom closet.
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — A 5-year-old boy was hospitalized after being shot in the chest when a 9-year-old relative found a loaded handgun while searching for Pokémon-themed pens inside a Florida home, deputies said Thursday.
The shooting happened during a family gathering at a residence in Hernando County, north of Tampa, according to investigators. Deputies said several children were playing inside the house when the older boy entered a bedroom closet looking for collectible pens and instead discovered a loaded 9 mm handgun belonging to his father. Authorities said the child picked up the weapon and unintentionally fired a single round, striking the younger boy in the chest. Emergency crews transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he underwent treatment for serious injuries. Investigators said the child survived and remained in stable condition after surgery.
Detectives said adults were inside the home at the time of the shooting but were in different rooms when the gun discharged. According to the sheriff’s office, investigators believe the children had been left unsupervised for several minutes while family members gathered elsewhere in the residence. Deputies said the handgun was stored inside a closet but was loaded and accessible to children. Authorities did not indicate whether any safety lock or gun safe was being used. Neighbors reported hearing screams shortly after the shot was fired, followed by emergency vehicles arriving at the home. One deputy described the scene as chaotic as relatives attempted to help the wounded child before paramedics arrived.
Investigators said the 9-year-old immediately ran to adults after the shooting and appeared distraught during interviews with deputies. Authorities have not identified either child publicly because of their ages. The sheriff’s office said detectives are continuing to examine how the firearm was stored and whether criminal charges related to negligence or unsafe storage may be filed against the gun’s owner. Florida law allows prosecutors to pursue charges in some cases when firearms are left accessible to minors and used in accidental shootings. Officials said no arrests had been announced as of Thursday evening.
The shooting renewed attention on accidental firearm injuries involving children in homes across the United States. Public safety records show that unsecured guns are a recurring factor in incidents involving minors who unintentionally shoot themselves or others after discovering weapons in bedrooms, closets or vehicles. Investigators in this case said the handgun was not being carried by the owner at the time and had been left inside the closet where the children were playing. Authorities have not said how long the weapon had been accessible or whether the children had previously entered the room without supervision.
Family members gathered outside the home as deputies processed the scene for evidence Thursday afternoon. Some relatives declined to speak publicly, while others expressed relief that the younger child survived the shooting. Investigators photographed the bedroom and recovered the firearm as evidence. Deputies also interviewed multiple adults who had been inside the home during the gathering. Officials said detectives planned to submit their findings to prosecutors after completing witness interviews and reviewing forensic evidence connected to the shooting.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and additional updates could be released after prosecutors review the case. Authorities said the 5-year-old child continued receiving medical treatment Friday while detectives finalized reports connected to the incident.
Author note: Last updated May 17, 2026.