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No charges filed after boy, 2, shoots self with .45 caliber handgun

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities are investigating after a 2-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with a .45 caliber handgun Tuesday night.

Michael Garcia Jr. is in stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said the boy's father, grandmother and a family friend were in the home near Livingston Street and Powers Drive when the accident happened.

The Department of Children and Families said it is currently investigating the allegation and working with law enforcement to better understand the circumstances of how the boy shot himself, as well as ensure the safety of another child who resides in the home.

Neighbors said they saw the commotion as children were getting off their school bus and said they got a look at the gun when investigators brought it outside.

"I'm trying to figure out how a 2-year-old pulled the trigger on a .45," neighbor Andre Demos said.

The sheriff's office said it appeared to be an accidental shooting, and that the gun was left unsecured in a bedroom, where he was left unattended.

"The kid's very lucky to survive," said gun expert Neil Drouin. "It is very much a round that can do massive damage to a human."

"My philosophy is if you own a firearm, it's got to be out the way, out of the reach of children," Demos said. "That's real close to home, very nerve-racking."

Michael's injuries were non-life-threatening.

The gun is registered to Garcia's mother, who wasn't home at the time of the shooting, authorities said. The toddler's mother could be charged with not having the gun secured.