Juvenile fires gun outside Port Charlotte Waffle House, sheriff’s office says

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

A juvenile pulled out a gun and fired a shot into the air outside a Port Charlotte Waffle House over the weekend, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say customers were eating breakfast Sunday morning at the Waffle House just off Kings Highway when someone became upset and began causing a disturbance. After employees asked the person to leave, investigators say the person went outside, pulled out a gun, and fired a single shot into the air.

The sheriff's office said a juvenile fired the shot. No injuries were reported.

Residents say the incident was surprising for the area.

“It’s kind of shocking, you know, especially for this area,” said Daniel Gaddis of Port Charlotte. “Kids around here are generally pretty mild-mannered, so that’s totally shocking to us.”

Some people questioned how the juvenile obtained the gun and said firearm safety education should start early.

“I almost think that schools should even offer some type of basic training at a younger age for kids to understand how dangerous a gun can be,” said Len Kushner of Port Charlotte. “There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with carrying a gun.”

Others said responsibility ultimately falls on parents.

“I just hope that the young people get their act together and that the parents start working with their kids better,” said Robert Morse of Port Charlotte.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said it is not identifying the juvenile at this time. Investigators have not said whether anyone will face charges. The investigation remains ongoing.

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