Hillsborough Deputies were called to the Carlisle Lakes Apartment complex in Tampa at about 8:30AM on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.
According to Colonel Donna Lusczynski of HCSO, a 4 year-old boy was shot once in the chest at 12536 Tinsley Circle in Tampa. He was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he is listed in stable condition following surgery.
The child was reportedly alone with his mother’s boyfriend, 26 year-old Akia Thomas. Thomas reportedly has 24 prior felony charges with 5 felony convictions.
Mom was dropping her 1 year-old child at daycare and the 6 year-old was at school at the time of the incident.
Preliminary evidence leads detectives to believe that the child grabbed the firearm he found unsecured and underneath a dresser and accidentally shot himself in the chest. A search warrant was executed at the residence where detectives located the Taurus .380 handgun loaded with 9 rounds of ammunition.
Detectives also found a bag containing white powder that later tested positive for cocaine. At this time, Thomas is charged with Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammo by Convicted Felon, Unsafe Storage of Firearm, and Possession of Cocaine.