06/06/2026
6-Year-Old Finds Handgun, Shoots Himself; Caregiver Arrested
A Winter Haven woman was arrested after a 6-year-old boy reportedly found a handgun inside a residence and accidentally shot himself, resulting in serious injuries.
According to the arrest affidavit, deputies began investigating on June 5 after hospital staff notified law enforcement that a child had arrived at Winter Haven Hospital with a gunshot wound to his right leg.
Investigators learned the child had been left in the care of a woman identified as Nicole Felippe while his father was away running errands. The affidavit states Nicole was the only adult at the residence when she heard what she described as a “pop” after exiting the shower. She reportedly ran from the bathroom and found the child bleeding from a gunshot wound.
Rather than calling 911, the child was wrapped up and transported to Winter Haven Hospital in a private vehicle. Investigators noted neither the caregiver nor the child’s father contacted law enforcement or emergency medical services before taking the child to the hospital.
During an interview with detectives, the 6-year-old stated he found a gun and accidentally shot himself. Medical staff later confirmed the round entered through the child’s thigh and exited through his shin, causing a fractured tibia.
When deputies responded to the residence, investigators sought consent to search the home for evidence related to the shooting. According to the affidavit, consent was denied, prompting detectives to obtain a search warrant signed by a judge later that evening.
During the court-authorized search, detectives located the suspected firearm and additional evidence inside the residence. Investigators also reported finding suspected cannabis, a digital scale, containers holding a green leafy substance, and drug paraphernalia in plain view inside a bedroom occupied solely by the caregiver. A field test reportedly returned a presumptive positive result for THC.
The affidavit further states the child’s father told investigators he did not recognize the handgun found inside the residence and claimed he was unaware of how the firearm ended up in the home.
Based on the investigation, detectives determined the child was able to access the firearm while under the sole supervision of the caregiver. Investigators concluded the circumstances constituted culpable negligence and led to the child suffering great bodily harm.
Nicole Felippe was arrested and charged with:
• Child Neglect Causing Great Bodily Harm (Felony)
• Possession of Cannabis Under 20 Grams
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
The 6-year-old boy is expected to survive his injuries.
