Teen arrested after 7-year-old brother accidentally shoots self on Jacksonville’s Northside: JSO

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a 16-year-old on Monday after his 7-year-old brother accidentally shot himself less than one week ago with a gun that had been in his older brother’s bedroom.

Police said the teen was arrested and booked into the Duval County Jail one day after attempting to hide the gun, which his parents were unaware of. He faces charges of culpable negligence and tampering with evidence related to the incident.

“While the investigation is ongoing, there is no evidence that the children’s parents were culpable for the shooting,” JSO said.

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On Thursday, police officers said an incident occurred on Lem Turner Road, near Capper Road, involving a child who was found suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower abdomen.

At the time, JSO did not provide any information about the child, but said they were taken to the hospital and were recovering from their injuries.

In their social media post on Monday, JSO said that the 7-year-old boy underwent surgery following the incident, and his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Police also used the announcement as an opportunity to remind parents about communicating with their children about gun safety.

“While this case is technically classified as accidental, it is anything but an accident. It was preventable and could have ended much worse...Parents: talk to your children about gun safety and ensure your teenagers are not bringing firearms or other dangerous items into your home. Doing so may save a life…or prevent serious criminal charges,” the agency said.