Just after 10 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, officers were dispatched to a call regarding a two-year-old boy who had been shot. The boy was rushed to the hospital, but he tragically lost his life.
The initial investigation revealed the young boy had somehow accessed a firearm in his Northside home. The gunshot he suffered from was self-inflicted. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Homicide Unit detectives continue to investigate how the boy was able to get ahold of the weapon.
This was a 100% preventable tragedy.
Being a responsible gun owner starts with safe storage.
- If a firearm isn't on you, it should be secured.
- Keep firearms locked and out of the reach of children.
- Use a gun safe, lockbox, or trigger lock to prevent unauthorized access.
- Never leave a firearm unsecured in your home or vehicle.
Parents and guardians, talk to your kids.
- Teach children that real guns are not toys and can seriously hurt or kill someone.
- If they ever find a gun, they should Stop. Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.
- Ask family members, babysitters, and the parents of your children's friends how firearms are stored in their homes.
In Florida, it is against the law to knowingly leave a loaded firearm accessible to a child under 16 when the child could gain access without permission.
If a child accesses an unsecured firearm and uses it to cause injury or death, the gun owner may face criminal charges, in addition to the devastating consequences for the child, family, and community.
Free gun locks are available at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office District 1 and District 2 substations. The agency is actively working to restock them at all substations throughout the city.
To view the post regarding this incident on JSO's social media platforms, please click on one of the following links:
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