News Crime & Safety

Man Arrested After Toddler Shoots Self with Gun Left on Couch

by Ryan Yousefi September 5, 2025

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Man Arrested After Toddler Shoots Self with Gun Left on Couch 5

Giovani Douge {BSO}

A Lauderhill man has been arrested after police say a toddler shot himself in the foot with a gun he left on the couch.

According to Broward County Sheriff’s Office records, Giovani Douge, 25, faces a felony charge of culpable negligence stemming from the incident that occurred on April 29 at a residence near Northwest 27th Avenue and Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

The report shows that deputies responding to the scene found the child suffering from a gunshot wound to his right foot. The first deputies on scene applied a tourniquet and called for fire rescue. The child was transported to Broward Health Medical Center for emergency treatment and later admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for surgery.

Witnesses told deputies that the child had been in the living room while Douge and his girlfriend were in another room. Moments later, they heard a gunshot and discovered the toddler on the floor, bleeding.

Deputies noted in the report that they observed blood inside the residence, a spent shell casing near the doorway, and a loaded magazine on a dresser next to a pistol.

Investigators said Douge admitted to being the firearm’s owner and acknowledged leaving it on the couch where the child could reach it. A duffel bag reportedly containing the handgun was recovered.

Following an investigation and ballistic testing, a warrant was issued. On August 27, Douge was taken into custody by the Sunrise Police Department and transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he was later released after posting a $5,000 bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.