TAMPA, FL. (APRIL 15, 2026) - - Tampa Police charged an adult male after a 3-year-old was injured by an unsecured firearm.
On April 14, 2026, Tampa Police responded to the 3600 block of N. 51st St. for the report of a young boy with a gunshot wound to the arm.
Preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 7:14 p.m., the child had been in bed with his mother and her boyfriend, later identified as 30-year-old Steve Johnson (black male, 3/9/1996), when he allegedly left a gun unsecured in the bed after getting up to use the restroom. The child gained access to the firearm, which discharged, striking the child in the forearm.
The child’s mother immediately rendered aid and contacted 9-1-1. The child was transported to a nearby hospital with stable, non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives responded, and during the investigation learned Johnson was a convicted felon who was unlawfully in possession of the firearm. Detectives recovered the firearm and additional evidence.
"It is incredibly fortunate that this was not a fatal tragedy," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "This incident highlights the double danger of a convicted felon unlawfully possessing a firearm and then failing to secure it. A gun should never be within reach of a child. There is no excuse for such negligence when the cost could easily have been a young life."
Johnson was arrested and charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Child Neglect with Great Bodily Harm, Safe Storage of Firearms, and Possession of Cannabis Less Than 20 Grams. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information can be released as it becomes available.
The Tampa Police Department's safety initiative "Project Locked & Unloaded" offers free gun locks to residents to prevent firearm thefts and enhance community safety. Free locks are available at TPD Headquarters, all TPD District Offices, and four local libraries to encourage secure storage.
Learn more about this program, and others provided by Tampa Police, at www.tampa.gov/police/programs