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News · Police, fire and courts · Polk County · Bartow · Florida

3-year-old dies after shooting outside Bartow Burger King

A 3-year-old died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun outside a Burger King in Bartow, the sheriff said.

Polk County Florida DeskOctober 23, 2026
3-year-old dies after shooting outside Bartow Burger King

Key takeaways

  • A 3-year-old died after an accidental shooting outside a Burger King in Bartow.
  • The Polk County sheriff’s office identified the shooting as accidental.
  • The child was taken to a hospital and died.
  • The case involves a firearm and remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office.

A 3-year-old died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun outside a Burger King in Bartow, the sheriff said.

What happened

The shooting happened outside a Burger King in Bartow. The sheriff described the shooting as accidental.

The child was taken to a hospital and later died, WTSP reported.

Investigation

The Polk County sheriff’s office is the law enforcement agency identified in connection with the case. The incident involves a child’s death and a firearm, and the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Safety reminder

Firearms should be secured so children cannot access them. Adults who keep guns should follow safe-storage practices and keep firearms unloaded and locked when they are not in use.

What to watch

  • Any update from the Polk County sheriff’s office about the investigation.
  • Whether investigators announce any additional details about how the child accessed the gun.
  • Any charging decision or court filing connected to the shooting.

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