Florida Toddler Shoots Himself; Miami School Police Officer Mother Arrested for Child Neglect

Florida toddler shoots himself self-inflicted gunshot Miami school police officer child neglect

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald May 01, 11:16 am

Photo: (Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA / Getty Images)

In a concerning incident, a 3-year-old child in Florida suffered an accidental gunshot wound to the foot, reportedly after discovering a firearm owned by his mother, Stephanie Jerez, who serves as a Miami-Dade County school police officer.

Following this incident, Jerez faces charges of child neglect with significant physical harm, as confirmed by authorities in Homestead. Notably, the firearm involved was identified as a personal one, distinct from Jerez's official service weapon.

Florida Toddler Shoots Himself

Homestead police officers responded to a distress call at a residence, about 40 miles southwest of Miami, after a report of a child with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to officials, the incident occurred while the mother was engaged in food preparation. The child received immediate medical attention at a local hospital and was later transferred to a regional facility for continued care, where his condition was reported as stable.

Following an investigation into the circumstances, the mother, identified as a Miami-Dade County school police officer, was arrested on charges of child neglect with significant physical harm.

During a search of the mother's residence, detectives uncovered a recently discharged firearm and the officer's service radio on the kitchen counter in plain sight. Notably, there was no secure gun case or holster present in the vicinity, as detailed in a police report.

In response to the incident, Homestead police emphasized their commitment to child safety, urging gun owners to prioritize firearm security and educate themselves and their families on proper gun handling and storage practices.

Authorities said in a statement, "The Homestead Police Department takes cases involving child endangerment very seriously, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in our community."

Self-inflicted Gunshot From Child Neglect

The mother will be held in suspension until the Homestead police complete their investigation, as stated by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has acknowledged an incident unrelated to school involving a Miami-Dade Schools Police officer that took place during the weekend.

The statement reads, "Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is aware of a non-school related incident involving a Miami-Dade Schools Police officer that occurred over the weekend."

The officer has been arrested by the Homestead Police Department and relieved of duty by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department until the investigation concludes, according to the school district.

As per inmate records, the boy's mother is currently detained at Miami-Dade Corrections without a specified bond.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools stated that Jerez has been relieved of her duties pending the investigation's outcome.

Jerez made an appearance in court on Monday, where a judge set her bond at $5,000 and imposed restrictions on her possession and use of firearms and ammunition unless it's for work purposes, as reported by the station.

Robert C. Buschel, her attorney, said that his client is recovering well and argued against further punitive measures, labeling the incident as a tragedy.

As all the details emerge about the circumstances of the shooting, leading to charges against the mother, and a call for firearm safety education.