December 16, 2023, Volusia Sheriff’s Office is investigating an accidental shooting at a residence on Boxelder Street. A five-year-old female accidentally shot herself with a shotgun belonging to a family member. The shotgun was stored under a bed inside the residence.

Responding deputies located the girl suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. Deputies applied a tourniquet to control the bleeding. Deltona Fire Rescue transported the girl to Arnold Palmer Hospital.

Medical staff at Arnold Palmer Hospital believe the tourniquet may have saved the young girl’s life.

Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood commended the deputies for their incredible, quick, and compassionate work.

The case will be turned over to the State Attorney’s Office for review.