Authorities in Florida said a 4-year-old boy accidentally shot himself dead with a gun he found in his parents’ car. Per ABC News, the deceased minor, identified as Chosen Morris, shot himself in the head.
The Davenport Police Department said the “tragic” February 21 “accident” occurred before the Morris family stepped out to get pizza. Chosen managed to make his way to the garage while his dad, Robert Morris, was preparing for the family outing in the bathroom, and his mother, Quinta Morris, was in her bedroom and using the computer.
Police said Quinta Morris initially thought her children had damaged something after a “pop” sound emanated from the home. Police said she subsequently made her way to the living room to investigate, but she only met her two other children aged 7 and 11.
Police also said that Quinta Morris began trying to locate Chosen and realized the garage door was open. When she entered the garage, police said she saw Chosen in the car’s driver’s seat, but he had sustained a gunshot wound to the head, ABC News reported.
READ ALSO: Texas mourns 3-year-old boy fatally shot while mom played card game in next room
Chosen was immediately taken to the hospital by his parents, but he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, February 22. Authorities said it was likely that Chosen was enthused about the outing, and the minor was waiting for his other family members when he entered the car. Police said the handgun Chosen accidentally shot himself with was under the driver’s seat at the time that he found it, adding that the firearm belonged to the minor’s father.
“This is a tragic accident,” Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker said in a statement. “As a father and grandfather, I can’t imagine what Mr. and Mrs. Morris are going through right now. Our prayers are certainly with the Morris family as they endure this heartbreaking tragedy.”
“It is important that gun owners know where their firearms are at all times, and when not in possession of their firearm, ensure it is properly secured with some type of lock, whether it is a trigger lock or stored in a locked cabinet or box,” Parker said in an email to the news outlet.
Park told Fox13 on Monday that he will not be filing charges against the parents of the boy.
