A Florida man has been charged after authorities said a handgun left unsecured in his home was used by a 9-year-old boy who accidentally shot a 5-year-old child.
Child Seriously Injured in Shooting
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened March 25 at a home in Palmetto.
Investigators said the 5-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the chest after the bullet traveled through his body, striking his clavicle and lung before exiting.
Officials said the child remained hospitalized while recovering from serious injuries.
Boy Reportedly Found Gun While Searching Bedroom
Authorities arrested Robert Giles, 36, charging him with culpable negligence for allegedly leaving a firearm accessible to a minor.
Investigators said Giles’ 9-year-old son entered the bedroom searching for Pokémon pens when he reportedly found the handgun under a bed.
Police said the child accidentally fired the weapon, striking the younger boy.
Gun Allegedly Not Properly Secured
According to investigators, Giles told deputies the gun had been kept in a nightstand with a bullet in the chamber.
Authorities later recovered the firearm from a safe after the shooting.
Investigators stated the weapon had not been secured in a way that prevented children from accessing it.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Giles was arrested in April and later released on bond.
Court records show he entered a not guilty plea Friday.
A future court date has not yet been scheduled.
