Pinellas Park, FL – The Pinellas Park Police Department responded to a shooting involving a 13-year-old victim at around 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The shooting occurred in the 11600 block of 59th Street North.
The Pinellas Park Police Department has arrested a 13-year-old male in connection with a shooting that occurred on Sunday, July 14th. After a thorough investigation, detectives concluded that the shooting was accidental.
The incident took place at the suspect’s residence, where the 13-year-old victim was playing video games. The suspect entered a rented room within the residence without permission and found a Glock 44 .22 caliber handgun. He took the weapon and hid it in his bedroom. While showing the firearm to his friend during their gaming session, the suspect accidentally discharged the gun, striking the victim in the torso.
Following the shooting, the suspect discarded the handgun over a fence, but investigators have since recovered the firearm. Initially, the victim was identified as a 12-year-old male, but it has been confirmed he is 13. The victim is currently in stable condition at a local hospital.
The 13-year-old suspect faces charges of armed burglary, grand theft of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The Pinellas Park Police Department urges the community to secure their firearms, especially in homes with children. Due to their ages, the Pinellas Park Police Department reports that the suspect’s and victim’s names are being withheld per Florida Statute 119.
The Pinellas Park Police Department is assisted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details will be provided as they become available.