A loaded gun left in a burn barrel in Florida led to the accidental shooting of a child, as reported by local deputies.
On September 11, an 8-year-old boy, along with other children, was helping their grandmother clean the backyard of a Jacksonville residence, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
While they were outside, engaged in yard work and placing debris into a burn barrel, the 8-year-old boy was near the barrel when someone set its contents on fire.
Suddenly, a gunshot was heard, and a bullet emerged from the burning barrel, striking the boy in the leg, according to the sheriff’s office.
The family swiftly gathered the children and rushed to the hospital, but they reported hearing two more shots as they left their home.
Fortunately, the boy’s injury was not life-threatening, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office. Subsequently, deputies visited the property and examined the contents of the barrel.
The deputies said they recovered two “burned and partially melted” weapons under the yard debris.
No charges have been brought as of September 12 following the accidental and careless shooting. According to the sheriff’s office, the probe is still active.
