Palatka, Fla., shooting scene.(Photo: Courtesy of the Putnam Wa)
PALATKA, Fla. — A mother who was accidentally shot by her 4-year-old son while she was driving
should be charged with a misdemeanor, authorities in Florida say.
The recommendation was announced Tuesday by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office and will be given to the State Attorney's Office.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Homer DeLoach said it is of the utmost importance for gun owners to do everything they can to make sure their firearms do not unintentionally end up in the hands of their children.
Jamie Gilt, 31, of Jacksonville was rushed to a hospital after the March 8 shooting and is recovering. Her son has been placed in the care of family members, deputies said.
Gilt kept the loaded .45-caliber handgun under the front seat of the pickup and, while driving, the gun allegedly slid to the floor in the back of the vehicle. The child, who released himself from his child booster seat, reached for what he thought was a toy.
USA TODAY
Mom accidentally shot by 4-year-old son
“She felt something strike her in the back, then noticed the windshield of her truck was broken,” DeLoach said.
The bullet had exited through her chest and gone through the windshield. The child was uninjured.
Gilt was apparently a gun lover who made numerous social media postings about gun rights, including one about teaching her 4-year-old to shoot. DeLoach wouldn’t talk about that at a news conference, saying investigators only focused narrowly on what happened March 8.
Authorities said they are recommending a charge of allowing a child access to a firearm, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, DeLoach said. It will be up to prosecutors, who are reviewing the case, to decide whether to file the charge or any others.
In a statement, Gilt’s family said they would not be giving media interviews: "The family wishes to remain private as they face the long road of healing from this accident."
Contributing: The Associated Press
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