Lakeland police say an investigation is ongoing.
LAKELAND, Fla. — A 6-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the head on Sunday has died, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
It happened just before 4 p.m. on Jan. 5 outside of a house on West Crawford Street. Authorities say the child, Major Smith, had just returned home from the store with his father and older brother in a rental Nissan Altima.
His brother, Myron Smith Jr. reportedly stayed in the car for a short time before eventually getting out and going into the house. Meanwhile, Major and his father, Myron Smith Sr., were sitting on the porch.
At one point, Myron Sr. was making a phone call outside. That’s when police say the 6-year-old was able to get into the car and found a Glock 19X which was between the driver’s seat and the center console.
His father reportedly heard the gunshot and found Major with injuries to his head, as well as the gun on the driver’s seat. Myron Jr. then quickly drove his brother to Lakeland Regional Hospital where he was being treated for “severe and critical” injuries.
Police confirmed that Major died Tuesday afternoon.
No charges have been filed in the case as police say an investigation is ongoing.