SW Miami-Dade man charged after toddler shoots self with his gun, police say
MIAMI - A southwest Miami-Dade man was charged after a 3-year-old relative found his gun and shot herself in the hand, investigators said.
Orlando Young, 23, was arrested and charged with child neglect with bodily harm, according to court documents.
Young was staying with family members at a residence on SW 220th Terrace. He told police on Sunday, he made breakfast for the girl and then watched over her during the day.
Young said while watching a football game he "momentarily left his gun unattended on the couch because he was excited about a touchdown," according to his arrest report. He reportedly told police he heard a "loud bang" and saw blood coming from the girl's hand.
The toddler was taken to Homestead Hospital and then transferred to Nicklaus Children's Hospital for surgery on her hand, officials said
According to police, when they spoke to her, she said she found the gun on the couch and played with it. She told them while she was playing with it, she accidentally shot herself in the right hand.
Gun safety expert Phil Archer said he was alarmed by this case.
"As a firearms instructor it is always sad to hear about these stories," Archer said. "Safety is a huge thing and you have a responsibility when you have a firearm whether it is concealed or carried in any other fashion. It is really important. There are rules and one of the most important rules is that you have to keep that gun inaccessible to unauthorized persons especially children and we know that if you do not do that someone can get hurt and you can face criminal charges."