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Florida toddler dies in car
A 3-year-old boy died on October 22, 2026, after finding a handgun in his father's car and accidentally shooting himself at a Burger King drive-thru in Bartow, Florida.
What Happened
• Incident: The father was in the drive-thru at a Burger King on East Van Fleet Drive around 6:30 p.m. when he had trouble with his credit card payment.
• The Gun: The father removed a Glock pistol from his waistband because it was uncomfortable while he leaned over, and placed it inside the vehicle.
• The Shooting: The 3-year-old boy in the back seat picked up the unholstered gun and accidentally fired it, striking himself.
• Aftermath: First responders performed life-saving measures and rushed the child to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and Charges
• Current Status: No arrests have been made, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office did not immediately recommend criminal charges while the case is reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office.
• Context: Investigators noted the family had recently moved to the area from Connecticut and was fully cooperating.
Florida toddler dies in car
A 3-year-old boy died on October 22, 2026, after finding a handgun in his father's car and accidentally shooting himself at a Burger King drive-thru in Bartow, Florida.
What Happened
• Incident: The father was in the drive-thru at a Burger King on East Van Fleet Drive around 6:30 p.m. when he had trouble with his credit card payment.
• The Gun: The father removed a Glock pistol from his waistband because it was uncomfortable while he leaned over, and placed it inside the vehicle.
• The Shooting: The 3-year-old boy in the back seat picked up the unholstered gun and accidentally fired it, striking himself.
• Aftermath: First responders performed life-saving measures and rushed the child to Lakeland Regional Health, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigation and Charges
• Current Status: No arrests have been made, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office did not immediately recommend criminal charges while the case is reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office.
• Context: Investigators noted the family had recently moved to the area from Connecticut and was fully cooperating.
