- An 8-year-old girl was accidentally shot in the neck by a firearm found unsecured in a family member's home in Gainesville on Thursday afternoon.
- The girl was conscious at the scene, transported to UF Health Shands Hospital, and is expected to survive the injury.
An 8-year-old girl was accidentally shot in the neck at a residence on NW 44th Place in Gainesville on Thursday afternoon.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) release, deputies responded at 5 p.m. to a call reporting an 8-year-old child had been shot in the neck.
Upon arrival, deputies and Alachua County Fire Rescue personnel located the child suffering from a single gunshot wound to the neck. The girl was conscious and alert despite the seriousness of the injury when first responders rendered aid.
The child was transported to the trauma center at UF Health Shands Hospital and is expected to survive the injury.
Following an ACSO investigation, it was determined that the juvenile was visiting a family member’s residence while the homeowner was out of town, and another family member was at the home to house-sit.
The child and another juvenile made their way upstairs to a bedroom and found the unsecured firearm. Investigators determined the children began handling the weapon when it discharged, resulting in the girl’s injury.