Winter Haven Mother Arrested After 6-Year-Old Shoots Himself
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Winter Haven mother was arrested Friday after authorities say her 6-year-old son accidentally shot himself inside a residence, suffering a serious leg injury.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to investigate after the child arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Investigators said the incident occurred at a home on Bishop James Cochran Way.
Authorities allege that 39-year-old Nicole Felippe was the only adult at the residence when the shooting occurred. According to an arrest affidavit, Felippe had exited the shower when she heard a loud “pop” and discovered the child had been shot.
Rather than calling 911, investigators say the child was transported to the hospital in a private vehicle. The child’s father was reportedly away running errands when he received a phone call informing him of the shooting.
Medical personnel determined the bullet entered through the child’s thigh and exited through his shin, causing a fracture of the tibia. The child is expected to survive.
During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies located the firearm believed to have been involved in the incident.
While executing the search warrant, investigators also reported finding marijuana, a digital scale, and a glass pipe in plain view inside the mother’s bedroom.
Authorities said the room where the firearm and drug-related items were located was used exclusively by Felippe.
Felippe was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of child neglect resulting in great bodily harm, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Jail records show she remains in custody. The child neglect charge is not currently bond eligible, while bond amounts of $1,000 each were listed for the marijuana possession and paraphernalia charges.
Investigators have not publicly stated how the child gained access to the firearm. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the child’s father told detectives he did not recognize the gun and said the family occasionally hosts gatherings at the residence.
The investigation remains ongoing.
