Miami-Dade Toddler Recovering After Accidentally Shooting Self with Flare Gun
Miami-Dade shooting: A Miami-Dade toddler, identified as 2-year-old Justin Hernandez, is recovering after accidentally shooting himself with a flare gun at his family’s home. The incident occurred while Justin’s father, Lazaro Hernandez, was working on his boat in the backyard near Northwest 103rd Street and 32nd Avenue. According to Hernandez, his son was close by when he somehow managed to get hold of the flare gun. Before Hernandez could intervene, the gun went off, leaving young Justin with burns on his hand and chest.
Reflecting on the frightening incident, Lazaro Hernandez told Local 10 News in Spanish, “At the moment, I was very scared.” Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue dispatching a helicopter to transport Justin to the hospital for treatment. Although the accident caused considerable concern for the family, Hernandez shared that Justin is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery. Medical personnel were optimistic about his condition, and Hernandez anticipated that his son would be released from the hospital later that evening.
Flare guns are commonly carried on boats as essential safety equipment for emergency signaling. However, incidents like this highlight the potential dangers they pose, particularly when children are in proximity. In response to this accident, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) launched an investigation to understand the circumstances and ensure the child’s safety. On Friday, two representatives from DCF visited the Hernandez residence to assess the situation. Initial findings indicate that the incident appears to be an unfortunate accident, though investigations remain ongoing to confirm all details and establish whether any safety protocols were overlooked.
