OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — A 4-year-old who suffered a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home on the 800 block of SE 8th Street on Tuesday has passed away, according to the Okeechobee Police Department.
We are learning more about the incident after officers and emergency crews responded on Tuesday afternoon to reports of an injured child. The child was initially airlifted to St. Mary's Hospital in critical condition on Wednesday morning before police confirmed the death.
Neighbor Teresa, who lives a few houses down, reacted to the shooting.
"It's just sad. It’s just very shocking to see," Teresa said.
Teresa said she is a gun owner and safety is always top of mind with her two kids.
"I had it put away where it couldn't be reached or locked up in a door or in an area where it's not reachable," Teresa said.
We are still pressing police about how the child got a hold of a gun, and if the gun belonged to anyone inside the home.
The Florida Sheriffs Association said to secure your gun from children and store the firearm unloaded and in a locked cabinet or safe.
Teresa said she is thinking about the family.
"I just hope your baby pulls through. I just have prayers for them," Teresa said.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Okeechobee Police Department.
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