SANFORD, Fla. — A girl who died at a Seminole County hospital due to a gunshot wound had accidentally shot herself in a Sanford home, officials said.
Police said the incident happened at the home on Highlawn Avenue.
Sanford police said they arrested Erik Williams on charges of child neglect in connection with the accidental death of 6-year-old A’letha Amanii Marie Burke.
Authorities said police received a report at 8:25 p.m. from Central Florida Regional Hospital that A’letha had been admitted and was receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
Williams didn't call police and drove A'letha to the hospital, where officials called 911, according to authorities.
Officers said A’letha was injured while handling an unsecured firearm that accidentally discharged. Police said Williams knew that the firearm had been stored without any safety mechanisms under the living-room sofa, where it was easily accessible.
Authorities said that while A’letha was left in Williams’ care, he allowed her to play in the area where the firearm was stored.
Williams was arrested on charges of child neglect with great bodily harm and unsafe storage of a firearm. Williams was taken to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.
Neighbors believe the incident was a tragic and accident and that Williams didn't intend to cause A'letha harm.
Officers said that as the investigation continues, additional charges may follow.
“It is time for parents, guardians and the community to step up and do our part to protect our children. Last night’s tragedy was careless, senseless and entirely preventable,” Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said.
A’letha was a student at Wicklow Elementary School, officials said.
School officials said a grief counselor is at the school.