Florida boy, 5, finds unsecured gun, shoots self in head, police chief says

5-year-old boy finds gun, shoots himself in the head

A 5-year-old boy found an unsecured gun at his home and shot himself in the head on Sunday, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. The boy, who is believed to be on the Autism spectrum, was flown to the hospital where, at last check, he was listed in critical condition, Capri told FOX 35 on Monday. "Thank God he's alive. It's a very horrific event when you think about a 5-year-old kid getting access to a firearm," he said. "It's just very sad, very tragic, but I'm just glad he's alive. Keep praying for him."

ORLANDO, Fla. - A 5-year-old boy found an unsecured gun at his home and shot himself in the head on Sunday, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri.

The boy, who is believed to be on the Autism spectrum, was flown to the hospital where, at last check, he was listed in critical condition, Capri told FOX 35 on Monday.

"Thank God he's alive. It's a very horrific event when you think about a 5-year-old kid getting access to a firearm," he said. "It's just very sad, very tragic, but I'm just glad he's alive. Keep praying for him."

What we know:

Chief Capris said the gun was found in the bedroom of the home, possibly under a pillow. The young boy got hold of the gun and shot himself in the head, above the eye.

This happened Sunday morning at a housing complex near Indian Trail and Grand Is. Shores Road.

First responders rushed to the scene and found the boy lying on the hood of a parked car where a neighbor, described as a flight nurse, was putting pressure on the boy's head.

Chief Capris said the boy's mom ran to a neighbor's house for help. Those neighbors were said to be a flight nurse and a member of law enforcement.

A tragic reminder

Chief Capris said it is a tragic reminder that all firearms should be secured, especially when there are children around.