A 3-year-old child accidentally shot a man Thursday night inside a Delray Beach home after getting hold of an unsecured firearm, police said. The shooting happened at about 9 p.m. in the 500 block of Udell Lane. Delray Beach Fire Rescue transported the injured man to a hospital, and officers said the child was not hurt. Police say the investigation remains active and the victim’s condition has not been released.
What police say
According to WPTV, Delray Beach officers responded to the home, rendered aid and secured the scene. The station reports that investigators described the case as active and that no additional details were immediately available. At the time of reporting, WPTV noted there were no updates on the injured man’s condition.
Florida safe-storage rules and possible charges
State law requires loaded firearms to be kept in a securely locked container or rendered inoperable with a trigger lock when a minor is likely to gain access, and failing to do so can bring criminal penalties. Florida’s safe-storage statute and the culpable-negligence law say an adult who leaves a loaded gun within a child’s reach can face misdemeanor or felony charges if the child gets the weapon and someone is harmed. See the statute text for section 790.174 at the Florida Senate and related language in section 784.05 at the Florida Senate.
How common these incidents are
Unintentional shootings by children are a persistent problem nationally. Research compiled in Everytown’s Everytown index documents hundreds of incidents each year in which a child gains access to an unsecured firearm. Public-health groups and safety advocates say locked, unloaded storage and keeping ammunition stored separately are proven ways to reduce these tragedies. Local prosecutors typically review the full facts before deciding whether to file charges.
Nearby examples and context
WPTV flagged similar recent cases in neighboring counties where toddlers found unsecured guns and wounded family members or, in at least one instance, a child was killed. Those episodes highlight why police and public-safety organizations repeatedly urge secure storage in homes with children. Delray Beach officials have not released further details beyond their initial update.
What residents can do now
Law enforcement and safety groups recommend storing firearms locked and unloaded and keeping ammunition in a separate location. Free safety kits and gun-lock programs are distributed through local law enforcement partners and national efforts such as Project ChildSafe. Anyone with information about Thursday’s shooting was asked to contact the Delray Beach Police Department as investigators continue canvassing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
