3-Year-Old Shoots Himself After Tampa Man Leaves Gun Unattended

Authorities say the child was injured by an unsecured firearm in a residential neighborhood.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the dangers of unsecured firearms.A single spent bullet casing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unsecured firearms in homes with young children.Today in Tampa

A 3-year-old child was injured after shooting himself in the arm when a Tampa man left a gun unattended, according to the Tampa Police Department. Officers responded to a report of a child with a gunshot wound on Tuesday in the 3600 block of N 51st Street.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with young children present. Unsecured firearms pose a serious risk to public safety and can lead to tragic accidents.

The details

Police say the 3-year-old child was able to access the unsecured firearm and accidentally shot himself in the arm. The Tampa man who owned the gun was arrested following the incident.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Tampa Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and made the arrest.

Tampa Man

The individual who owned the unsecured firearm that the 3-year-old child accessed and accidentally shot himself with.

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What’s next

The Tampa man who owned the gun will face charges related to the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the need for gun owners to prioritize firearm safety and storage, especially in homes with young children present, in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring.