HOLLISTER, Fla. – A 31-year-old woman is in stable condition after she was shot by her 4-year-old son while driving her truck, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
A deputy on patrol just after 3 p.m. Tuesday on State Road 20 at Rowland Avenue saw a truck towing a horse trailer that was stopped and looked "awkward." The woman behind the wheel, later identified as Jamie Gilt, of Jacksonville, told the deputy that she had been shot while driving.
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The deputy said Gilt's son was crying uncontrollably.
The deputy provided first aid to Gilt until Putnam County paramedics arrived and took her to UF Health in Gainesville, where she was reported in stable condition.
"Her young 4-year-old son came into possession of a handgun inside the vehicle and accidentally shot her through the driver's seat," Capt. Joseph Wells said.
The bullet struck Gilt in the back.
Deputies said it was a handgun, but they didn't immediately know the make or model.
The Daily Mail claims Gilt appears to be a gun-rights proponent, with several pro-gun photos posted to her Facebook site.
The child was with his grandmother while deputies tried to reach the father, who was at work. The Sheriff's Office has notified the Department of Children and Families.
Deputies are investigating how the child was able to get hold of the gun and whether any criminal charges will be filed.
"Those questions center around how is the fire arm secured? Where was it carried in the vehicle? And exactly how did the young boy come in possession of the firearm?" Wells said.
Family members told detectives that Gilt was traveling to a family member’s home in Putnam County to pick up a horse when the incident occurred.
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