Florida boy, 12, fatally shoots himself after finding gun at friend’s house

LAKELAND, Fla. — A 12-year-old Florida boy died Friday night after he accidentally shot himself with a gun he found at a friend’s home while visiting for a sleepover, authorities said.

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According to a news release from the Lakeland Police Department, officers responded to a residence at about 7 p.m. EST. Officers found emergency medical personnel rendering aid to a 12-year-old boy who was suffering from a gunshot wound, the release stated.

Police said the victim had been dropped off by his mother for a sleepover with his 13-year-old friend, WTSP-TV reported. According to police, the boys were in the garage of the residence when the 12-year-old found a loaded gun inside a vehicle, according to the television station.

As the boy was handling the gun, it discharged and the victim was struck by one bullet, WTVT reported.

The victim was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said.

According to police, officers contacted the victim’s mother, who said she believed an adult was at the home when she dropped off her son. Family members of the 13-year-old boy told police they were unaware their child had invited anyone to the home, and that he did not have permission to do so, the news release stated.

It was unclear what type of gun was found by the victim.

The name of the victim has not been released, police said. An investigation is ongoing.

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