The big news today is that Florida is getting hit by Tropical Storm Emily, but there are other headlines going on around the state as well.
Florida Child, 4, Fatally Shoots Self With Gun Found In Home
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Police in Florida say a 4-year-old child fatally shot himself with a gun he found in his house.
The shooting happened about 5:45 p.m. Sunday in Tampa.
In a news release, police said Ashton Gooding found the weapon and discharged it. He was severely injured when police arrived and died shortly after arriving at Tampa General Hospital.
The state attorney’s office is reviewing the case to determine whether charges should be brought.
No further details were immediately available.
Florida Woman Run Over During Argument With Husband
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A 53-year-old Florida man ran over his wife during what investigators described as a domestic dispute.
Orange County Sheriff’s officials tell local news outlets that the 51-year-old woman was seriously injured during the Sunday night incident.
According to investigators, the couple had been arguing when the man tried to leave. His wife attempted to prevent him from leaving and ended up under the Nissan Versa.
Authorities haven’t said whether the husband will be charge.
Sunrise Police Fund Free BBQs With Recovered Drug Money
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — A South Florida police department is using money recovered in drug stings in a savory way: they’re hosting free public barbecues.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that police in Sunrise are hosting the “pop-up” barbecues as a way to improve community relations.
The department posts the location and time of a barbecue on its social media accounts.
Sunrise Mayor Robert Voss told the newspaper that young children are at first hesitant with the officers, but by the end of the barbecue they’re hugging them and saying goodbye.
Police have been hosting the barbecues once-a-month for about a year.
Mourice “Mo” Hylton says he attended his first one by chance, and that it’s nice to see officers socializing and having fun instead of arresting people.
Deputies Investigate Explosion In Orlando McDonalds Bathroom
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Authorities are investigating an explosion in a central Florida restaurant bathroom.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Ryan Olsson said in a news release on Sunday that deputies evacuated at McDonalds restaurant after the explosion.
Deputies found “moderate destruction” in the bathroom, and county fire crews were also on the scene to investigate.
No injuries were reported and no further information was immediately available.
The restaurant is located on Orange Blossom Trail in Lockhart.
Authorities: Apartment Resident Fatally Shoots Burglar
CLERMONT, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a man fatally shot another man who was attempting to rob his apartment in Florida.
The Orlando Sentinel reports the man told investigators that he shot one of three suspects who tried to enter his residence at Raintree Apartments on Sunday. The man died at the hospital.
Deputies arrived at the scene around 3 a.m. and are investigating the case as an armed robbery.
Lake County Sheriff Sgt. Fred Jones says detectives are interviewing three people of interest.
Further details have not been released.