Toddler and Teen Wounded in Accidental Shootings in Florida

In Tampa, Florida, a three-year-old boy injured his forearm after he discharged a gun that belonged to his mother’s 30-year-old boyfriend, Steve Jaleel Cleion Johnson. The boy, his mother, and Johnson were in bed, when Johnson left to go the bathroom leaving an unsecured gun behind. The boy took the gun off the bed and sustained non-life-threatening injuries when it fired. Johnson was arrested and faces charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, child neglect with great bodily harm, and safe storage of firearms.

And during an attempt to steal an e-bike from another juvenile in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a 16-year-old accidentally shot himself in the leg. His injuries are not life-threatening, and he now faces charges related to the attempted robbery and illegal possession of a firearm. It will be determined whether he is tried as a juvenile or an adult.

Sources:

Bob D’Angelo, “Boy, 3, Wounded After he Found Loaded Gun on Bed, Police Say,” actionnewsjax.com (April 16, 2026).

“Port St. Lucie Teen Shoots Himself During E-bike Robbery Attempt,” nationaltoday.com (April 15, 2026).