Palmetto, Florida — A devastating accidental shooting inside a Florida home has led to criminal charges against a father after a 9-year-old boy reportedly found an unsecured handgun while searching for “Pokemon pens” and unintentionally shot a 5-year-old child in the chest.
The shocking incident has reignited concerns about firearm safety and children’s access to unsecured weapons inside homes.
Child Searching for “Pokemon Pens” Finds Loaded Gun
According to investigators, the incident happened on March 25 at a home on 57th Street East in Palmetto, a town located north of Sarasota.
Authorities say the 9-year-old entered his father’s bedroom while looking for collectibles.
“[Giles son] stated he entered his father’s bedroom while searching for Pokemon pens,” the arrest warrant states. “While searching, he located a firearm on the floor under the bed.”
Investigators said the child allegedly found a Canik 9 mm handgun and accidentally discharged the weapon, striking a 5-year-old boy in the chest.
5-Year-Old Suffers Serious Injuries
Deputies responding to the home found the younger child critically injured.
“The projectile traveled through his body, striking his clavicle and piercing his lung before exiting,” the charging document reads.
Authorities revealed the child suffered serious bodily injuries and required intensive medical treatment after the shooting.
The warrant further states that the victim “was intubated for approximately five days and remains hospitalized while recovering from his injuries.”
The bullet reportedly traveled through the child’s body, through a wall inside the home, and exited the residence entirely.
Father Accused of Leaving Gun Accessible
The child’s father, Robert Giles, 36, was later arrested and charged with culpable negligence by leaving a firearm within easy reach of a minor.
According to deputies, Giles admitted the gun had been stored near his bed with “a round in the chamber but without a magazine inserted.”
When investigators questioned him, Giles allegedly said he was in the kitchen when he suddenly heard “a loud ‘pop’” before discovering the child had been shot.
Authorities later searched the home and reportedly found evidence suggesting the firearm had not been properly secured.
“The firearm was not secured in a manner that would prevent access by a minor,” the charging document states.
Investigators also noted that the 9-year-old never mentioned removing the gun from a holster or locked storage area, strengthening allegations that the weapon was easily accessible.
Gun Safe Found in Bedroom
During the investigation, deputies discovered a gun safe inside the same bedroom where the shooting occurred.
“Inside the residence, a large gun safe was located in a secured condition,” the warrant states.
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Authorities said multiple firearms were found inside the safe, including the Canik handgun involved in the shooting after Giles reportedly placed it there following the incident.
However, investigators emphasized that the gun had allegedly been left outside the safe before the shooting happened.
Father Pleads Not Guilty
Giles was arrested in early April and booked into the Manatee County Jail before later posting a $2,500 bond and being released.
On Friday, he appeared in court and entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him.
His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
The heartbreaking incident has once again sparked debate over responsible gun storage and the potentially life-changing consequences when firearms are left accessible to children.
Do you think stricter gun storage laws are needed to prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
