A 9-year-old boy was seriously injured after three children were playing with a gun in Hillsborough County.
According to deputies, the children, ages 9, 11, and 13 years old were home alone on Wednesday when the incident occurred near 5721 Turkey Tree Lane in Plant City.
Deputies said there was a .45 caliber handgun in the house, but it was secured in the mother’s bedroom with a padlock and hasp.
According to officials, the three boys managed to get inside the bedroom by removing the door lock hasp.
"We still have to determine whether it was in a case, whether it was laying out in the open. Those are all things that will come out in the investigation," said Larry McKinnon with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The three brothers obtained the handgun and took it outside to play with it in the woods behind the residence, according to deputies.
The boys returned to the residence with the handgun and brought the gun to their bedroom where they all sleep, deputies said. It was there deputies said that the 11 year old discharged one round that struck the 9 year old brother in the face.
The child was transported by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to a local hospital where he is listed in serious condition but is expected to survive.
Neighbors said the whole thing was a shock.
"Sometimes kids get out there and do some things they shouldn't be doing, but it's bad for somebody to get shot anytime," said Don Gilley.
Deputies said the mother was at work at the time. So far, no charges have been filed but the sheriff's office said deputies are still investigating.