NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Carolina police officer is facing charges after his 4-year-old son accidentally shot himself.
James Peter Tidot was charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm and culpable negligence charges, Friday morning.
The incident happened on Wednesday in a family member’s home in North Miami Beach.
According to the arrest report, Tidot “did leave a loaded firearm unsecured and unholstered within reach of his son.”
The report states that North Miami Beach officials found the child “in the bedroom with a gunshot wound to his head and a firearm on the floor next to his body.”
He was taken to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for treatment. Family members said he is expected to be OK.
Family members did not want to go on camera but told 7News that Tidot is a police officer in South Carolina with the Columbia Police Department.
The Columbia Police Department in South Carolina released the following statement:
A Columbia Police Department (CPD) officer has been placed on investigatory suspension after being arrested by the North Miami Beach Police Department this week.
CPD was notified by the arresting agency of charges stemming from allegations of negligence after an incident involving his 4-year-old son and an improperly secured and loaded duty weapon assigned to Peter Tidot.
Per protocol, Tidot who has been with CPD since April 2023 will remain on investigatory suspension until the disposition of criminal charges in Florida and administrative investigation by CPD’s Internal Affairs Unit under the Office of Professional Standards.
Columbia Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook says, “We are praying for the speedy recovery of the child and everyone impacted by the incredibly unfortunate incident. Let this serve as a reminder about the importance of gun safety and proper gun storage.”
CPD will continue to work with the North Miami Beach Police Department regarding the case
CPD
CPD Chief W.H. Holbrook also released the following statement:
“We are praying for the speedy recovery of the child and everyone impacted by the incredibly unfortunate incident. Let this serve as a reminder about the importance of gun safety and proper gun storage.”
Tidot appeared in bond court on Thursday.
“Good afternoon sir,” said Judge Mindy S. Glazer. “I’m allowing you to have supervised contact with your child. I hope your child is OK and you cannot possess a gun.”
Tidot has since been released on bond and spent the day at the hospital.
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