A Florida father has been arrested after his 9-year-old son accidentally shot his 5-year-old cousin with a gun that was allegedly not stored safely.
Robert R. Giles has been charged with culpable negligence under Statute 784.05-3, according to court records. Giles pleaded not guilty.
Details of the Shooting Incident
On March 25, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home in Palmetto, Florida, after a 5-year-old was shot in the chest. The child is the cousin of the 9-year-old boy who fired the gun, authorities said.
Investigators reported that Giles’ son “unintentionally discharged” a gun he found in his father’s bedroom. The boy said he entered the room looking for Pokémon pens but instead saw a gun under the bed. He tried to put the gun away, but it fired accidentally, hitting the 5-year-old in the clavicle and piercing his lung.
Victim’s Condition
The young victim was rushed to the hospital and intubated for five days. Authorities confirmed he is now recovering.
Gun Storage and Father’s Account
Giles told officers that the Canik 9mm handgun, with a round in the chamber but no magazine, had been kept in his nightstand. He said he was in the kitchen when he heard a loud “pop” and discovered the child had been shot. Giles then allegedly locked the gun in a bedroom safe and gave investigators the access code. Investigators found the gun along with several other firearms.
Authorities noted that the firearm “was not secured in a manner that would prevent access by a minor.” The 9-year-old confirmed he found the gun under the bed and did not mention taking it from a secure holster.
Legal Status of Robert Giles
Giles was booked into the Manatee County Jail on April 2 and released the next day after posting a $2,500 bond. Under his release conditions, he cannot have contact with the victim or possess any firearms or ammunition.
An attorney for Giles has not yet responded to requests for comment.
This case serves as a serious reminder about the importance of safely storing firearms, especially in homes with children. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure the victim’s safety.
