Alachua County, Fla. — An 8-year-old girl is expected to survive after an accidental shooting Wednesday afternoon in Alachua County.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Combined Communications Center received a 911 call just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 reporting that a child had been shot in the neck.
Deputies and Alachua County Fire Rescue crews responded to the home and located the 8-year-old suffering from a single gunshot wound to the neck. Officials said the child was conscious and alert when first responders arrived and began providing medical care.
Authorities quickly blocked intersections and cleared traffic along the transport route so the child could be taken to the trauma center at UF Health Shands Hospital. Investigators later confirmed the girl is expected to survive her injuries.
Detectives and forensic investigators responded to determine how the shooting occurred.
According to the sheriff’s office, the child had been visiting a family member’s residence while the homeowner was away. Another relative had been staying at the house.
Investigators said the child and another juvenile went upstairs into a bedroom where they located an unsecured firearm. Authorities determined the children began handling the gun when it discharged, striking the 8-year-old.
Officials said the homeowner lives alone and does not have children. The firearm was inside the home while the owner was away and had entrusted the residence to a family member who allowed the visit.
The sheriff’s office said the incident highlights the importance of properly securing firearms, particularly when children may have access to a home.
The case remains under investigation.
For many local students and young families, the incident underscores ongoing safety concerns surrounding unsecured firearms in homes.
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