Toddler Fatally Shoots Himself in Face at Florida Burger King Drive-Thru

A 3-year-old boy fatally shot himself in the face with his father's gun while the family was at a Burger King drive-thru in Bartow, Florida, authorities reported. The incident occurred Thursday when the father, distracted while attempting to pay for their order, placed his handgun on the seat, allowing the child to access it.

According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, the father had put his Glock handgun in the car's seat after his credit card was declined. While he was trying to resolve the payment issue on his phone, the child, who was in the backseat, obtained the weapon and accidentally fired it, striking himself in the face. Judd noted that there was a bullet hole visible through the car's roof.

The child, who was nearing his fourth birthday, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The family had recently relocated to Florida from Connecticut about four months prior, and the credit card issue was reportedly due to the company flagging the transaction following their move.

The father possesses a valid concealed carry permit, although it is not a requirement for carrying a firearm in Florida. Sheriff Judd indicated that while prosecutors will make the final decision on charges, the investigation, as it currently stands, suggests a lack of intent for criminal charges.

Bartow Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy described the incident as an "absolute tragedy," emphasizing the profound loss for the family and the community. He stated that officers found the situation difficult to process, acknowledging the immense grief the parents would endure.