Two Florida men are behind bars after a 3-year-old boy shot his younger sister in the chest leaving her in “exceptionally critical condition,” authorities said.
The tragic incident occurred Saturday at the children’s Lakeland home when the boy found a gun hidden between sofa cushions and fired at his 2-year-old sister.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that the “projectile went downward through the pancreas, and maybe the large and small intestines and out the back” of the little girl.
“There was no reason to think that this was an intentional act. He was a baby playing with what he saw as some kind of a toy,” Judd added.
At the time of the shooting, three men were watching the NBA playoff game after hiding the pistol on the sofa.
Kevonte Wilson, 23, admitted that he brought the gun to the residence and thought the kids wouldn’t find it between the cushions.
“I don’t know how you think you safely keep a gun away from children when you stick it between the couch,” Judd wondered.
Homeowner Chad Berrien was also arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and maintaining a house for drug use.
