Davenport police address accidental shooting that left 4-year-old boy dead
DAVENPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker addressed the deadly shooting over the weekend that left a 4-year-old dead from an accidental gunshot to the head.
On Friday evening, 4-year-old Chosen Morris got ahold of a firearm in his parents' vehicle in their garage and accidentally shot himself. The child died from his injuries on Saturday at Arnold Palmer Hospital For Children.
The police department said the family was preparing to head out for the night when Chosen got into the vehicle, while his father, Robert, ran to the bathroom, and his mother, Quinta, checked their computer in the master bedroom.
His siblings, a 7-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl were in the living room playing with their electronics, with earbuds in.
Officials said Quinta heard a 'pop' and ran out to the living room, believing one of her children broke something.
Instead, Quinta discovered the door leading to the garage open and found Chosen in the driver's seat with a gunshot wound to his head. Both parents rushed Chosen to AdventHealth Heart of Florida, located only two miles from their home on Citrus Landing Boulevard.
'They are devastated,' Chief Parker said, referring to Morris' parents. 'I can't even imagine what they're going through right now.'
Police said the gun under the driver's seat was a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun. Robert had left the gun in the vehicle on Thursday and had forgotten to remove it, according to the Sheriff.
'We are not seeking any criminal charges,' the chief added, saying the department does not believe there was any negligence from the parents.
The Chief of Police reminded residents to secure firearms and to keep them away from children. The Davenport Police Department also gives away free trigger locks to secure firearms, which can be picked up from the station.
'This is a tragic accident. As a father and grandfather, I can't imagine what Mr. and Mrs. Morris are going through right now,' Chief Parker said. 'Our prayers are certainly with the Morris family as they endure this heartbreaking tragedy.'
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