A Winter Haven man is facing manslaughter charges following a fatal shooting incident that authorities believe may have been the result of negligence. According to WTSP, 20-year-old Michael Tyner told police that he was cleaning a gun when it discharged and killed another man. This statement was complicated by the lack of cleaning supplies found at the scene, as mentioned in reports from WFLA.
Police responded to the involved home on Avenue F Southeast on Tuesday, July 2 around 3:20 p.m. following a 911 call concerning a wounded individual. Once on scene, officers learned from Tyner that the shot he believed to have come from outside, but no evidence supported this claim. Four other individuals in the home at the time reported hearing a "loud pop," with some saying they were on the phone or asleep, before observing Tyner carrying the victim from a bedroom, as per FOX 13 News.
Tyner, who claimed the shooting was accidental, was arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter with a weapon after being interviewed by the investigators. The Winter Haven Police Department remarked in a statement obtained by WTSP that Tyner's actions appear to have been negligent. The evidence at the scene included a firearm on the bed and one spent shell casing, indicating the victim was shot in the bedroom adjacent to the living room.
Winter Haven Police Chief David Brannan expressed the gravity of the situation, noting the enduring impact on all parties involved. "This is a tragic incident that changed the course of many lives," Chief Brannan told FOX 13 News. "We have a young man deceased, his family grieving and another young man facing serious charges for an act that appears to be negligence in the handling of a firearm. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved." Tyner is currently booked into the Polk-No text follows this fragment.Report County Jail as the investigation continues.
