3-Year-Old Tampa Boy Shoots Himself After Finding Unsecured Gun

The boyfriend of the boy's mother faces multiple charges after the child found the unsecured gun on a bed and accidentally shot himself.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a child's accidental self-shooting due to an unsecured firearm.A single bullet casing left behind after a child's accidental self-shooting highlights the grave consequences of unsecured firearms.Today in Tampa

A 3-year-old boy in Tampa, Florida was injured after he found an unsecured gun belonging to his mother's boyfriend and accidentally shot himself in the arm. The boyfriend, Steve Johnson, has been charged with multiple offenses including felon in possession of a firearm and child neglect.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms, especially in homes with young children present. It also raises concerns about convicted felons illegally possessing firearms and the need for proper gun storage and safety measures to prevent such accidental shootings.

The details

According to Tampa police, the 3-year-old boy was in bed with his mother and her boyfriend, Steve Johnson, when Johnson left his gun unsecured on the bed. The boy was able to access the gun, which then discharged, striking him in the forearm. The boy's mother immediately rendered aid and called 911, and the child was taken to the hospital with stable, non-life-threatening injuries.

  • The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. on April 16, 2026.

The players

Steve Johnson

The 30-year-old boyfriend of the boy's mother, who has been charged with felon in possession of a firearm, child neglect with great bodily harm, unsafe storage of firearms, and possession of cannabis.

Lee Bercaw

The Tampa police chief, who stated that the incident highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms and convicted felons possessing guns.

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What they’re saying

“It is incredibly fortunate that this was not a fatal tragedy. This incident highlights the double danger of a convicted felon unlawfully possessing a firearm and then failing to secure it. A gun should never be within reach of a child. There is no excuse for such negligence when the cost could easily have been a young life.”

— Lee Bercaw, Tampa Police Chief

What’s next

Steve Johnson is expected to appear in court for a bail hearing in the coming days, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with young children. It also underscores the need for stronger enforcement and oversight to prevent convicted felons from illegally possessing firearms, which can have devastating consequences.