Volusia County, Florida, sheriff’s deputies recently saved a 5-year-old girl after she accidentally shot herself in the leg with a shotgun that was hidden under a bed.
The sheriff’s department said the quick response from four deputies likely saved the young girl’s life.
Upon receiving the emergency call, deputies rushed to the scene of a Deltona home, where they found the girl conscious and alert but bleeding from her gunshot wound. Deputies Nicholas Maletto, Tiffany Kagle, Valente Estrada and Boris Rodriguez administered first aid to the girl, using a tourniquet to control the bleeding.
“She was saying the things that kids say, like ‘I have an owie’ and things like that. I was just trying to keep her focused on me and not looking at it,” Maletto told Fox 35 News.
According to a Facebook post released by the department, the young girl was promptly transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital for emergency treatment. To the officers’ relief, she survived and is expected to keep her leg.
Medical staff credited the deputies’ rapid response and use of a tourniquet with likely saving her life.
Kagle noted the girl’s good spirits at the hospital, where she even waved at the deputies before undergoing X-rays. However, Kagle admitted the ordeal was emotional for her.
“It makes you feel very emotional that, you know, even with going through such a traumatic incident, she could be as happy as she was,” Kagle said.
Estrada, a father himself, said the near-tragedy impacted him on a personal level: “I immediately went home and hugged him because I have guns at home, and, you know, it puts you in that scenario.”
Rodriguez also reminded parents about gun safety following the incident, urging them to secure firearms responsibly.
“We’re all about responsible gun owners, but make sure it’s secure and out of the way of juveniles,” he cautioned.
Despite the traumatic incident, all deputies involved showcased exceptional courage and compassion. Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood commended their actions, stating on social media: “The hair on the back of my neck stood up listening to these deputies render aid to this 5-year-old girl. What an outstanding example of decisive action and compassion by all involved.”
As the investigation continues, no arrests or charges have been made. Detectives from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office will review the case and present their findings to the State Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether formal charges are warranted.
The department said the deputies involved will be recognized for their heroic efforts in a commendation ceremony.
