Putnam deputies: Kid gained access to gun

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Putnam County authorities said that they are filing a complaint with the State Attorney's Office, which could lead to charges against Jamie Gilt, the Jacksonville woman who was shot and wounded by her 4-year-old son while driving in Putnam County.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said at a Tuesday news conference that they recommend Jamie Gilt face a charge of allowing a minor access to a firearm, which is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Gilt could face up to 180 days in jail. The State Attorney's Office will ultimately make a decision on if charges will be filed.

Gilt, a 31-year-old Jacksonville mother, was shot in the back when her 4-year-old son reportedly managed to gain access to a .45 caliber handgun while she was pulling a horse trailer March 8. PCSO said Tuesday that the child got the gun after it slid from the front to the back seat floor board.

Family told detectives that the child had recently learned to unbuckle his seatbelt.

Gilt was taken to the hospital, and her son was sent to stay with family members.

The shooting attracted worldwide attention on social media because of a Facebook page that purportedly showed Gilt posing with her son — and guns.

A Twitter handle titled @JamieGilt showed images of a new handgun being cleaned on Jan. 24, but that Tweet has apparently been deleted.

In Florida, storing or leaving a loaded firearm in a manner that it is likely a child can gain access to it is a misdemeanor. Deputies said the Florida Department of Children and Families is also reviewing the case.

Cox Media Group