3-year-old dead after shooting, Gainesville police say

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 3-year-old boy is dead after a shooting Wednesday in Gainesville, authorities said.

First responders were called just before 6 p.m. to the shooting at the Lamplighter Mobile Home Community.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, investigators learned that the child got the firearm from an “unlocked gun case/toolbox” in a home and was playing when the gun when it went off, striking him. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said.

Two other juveniles witnessed the incident, according to investigators.

Detectives continue to investigate.