Crime
3-year-old Rudy Sweere dies after accidentally shooting himself in Otter Tail County
As of Monday, authorities have not disclosed how the child accessed the firearm or provided details about others who may have been present during the incident.
Authorities in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, are investigating the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy, Rudy Sweere, who accidentally shot himself on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. in Oak Valley Township, near Deer Creek, a rural area located about 160 miles northwest of the Twin Cities.
Rudy was immediately transported to a hospital in Wadena. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead on Monday morning.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
As of Monday, authorities have not disclosed how the child accessed the firearm or provided details about others who may have been present during the incident.
Sheriff’s Office representatives have expressed condolences to the family and reiterated their commitment to thoroughly examining the events that led to this tragedy.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of firearm safety and secure storage, especially in households with young children. Authorities urge all gun owners to ensure firearms are unloaded, locked, and stored out of reach of children.
Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.