The mother of an 11-year-old child who allegedly shot two other children during a dispute at a Pop Warner Football practice, has been arrested on a charge of culpable negligence.
Sharelle Johnson was taken into custody on Thursday in connection with the shooting, according to a statement issued by State Attorney Andrew Bain’s office.
On October 2, Johnson’s son, who was not identified by authorities, allegedly obtained a loaded firearm from an unsecured cardboard box that was left in his mother’s vehicle.
According to the Apopka Police Department, Johnson’s son became engaged in an altercation with two other juveniles at the practice, which took place at the Northwest Recreation Complex.
During the altercation, the child shot the other two juveniles with whom he was arguing.
According to the state attorney’s office, the cardboard box that held the weapon was “worn and tattered,” and did not have “any safety locks or fasteners.”
“Under Florida Statute 784.05, a person can be charged with culpable negligence by storing or leaving a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a minor and the minor obtains the firearm and uses it to inflict injury or death upon himself or herself or any other person,” reads the statement from Bain’s office.
The Apopka Police Department confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday.
“This incident underscores the vital importance of responsible firearm ownership. Those who possess firearms must implement stringent security measures to prevent access by minors, reflecting our collective commitment to community safety by keeping firearms out of inappropriate hands,” reads the statement issued by APD.