POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Lakeland Police are investigating the death of a 12-year-old boy.
According to LPD, the boy was at a friend's house when the victim and another found a loaded firearm inside a vehicle parked in a garage.
Police said the boy accidentally shot himself on December 16 when a round discharged as he was handling the gun.
Early reports state that the boy was dropped off by his mother for a sleepover with his friend, a 13-year-old boy who lives at the residence.
Officers stated to contact the victim's mother, who told authorities she was under the notion that an adult was present to supervise the two boys; however, no adult was present.
The parents of the 13-year-old friend were unaware that the victim was at the house because they had not given their son permission to have any guests over.
The boy was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he later died from his injuries.
