Orlando police arrest father after 8-year-old shoots himself in hand

Father faces charges of neglect, carrying a firearm by a convicted felon

ORLANDO, Fla. – A father faces charges after Orlando police said his son got a hold of a gun and shot himself in the hand.

Investigators were called to a home in the 1700 block of Knotting Hill Drive around noon Monday.

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An 8-year-old boy managed to get a hold of a gun in the house and shot himself in the hand, according to police. The boy was taken to the hospital in stable condition, records show. Police did not say how badly the boy was hurt.

The boy’s father, Rodriguez Dowe, was arrested following the shooting, according to a news release. The 38-year-old faces charges of aggravated child neglect, carrying a firearm by a convicted felon and failing to keep a firearm safely stored. Investigators did not say for which crimes Dowe was previously convicted.

Police said the Department of Children and Families has also been notified.


About the Author

Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

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