Pregnant Florida Woman Shot in Her Sleep; Deputies Say Boyfriend Fired Bullet That Injured Unborn Baby
BRANDON, FLORIDA — A 44-year-old Florida man is behind bars after allegedly shooting his eight-months-pregnant girlfriend in the stomach while she slept beside two of her children, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Both the woman and her newborn baby survived after emergency treatment, and detectives say surveillance footage helped identify the suspect.
Pregnant Woman Arrives at Hospital With Gunshot Wound as Suspect Flees
Just before 5:20 a.m. on November 22, deputies were alerted when a critically injured pregnant woman was dropped off at a regional hospital in Brandon. Hospital staff told investigators that the man who brought her inside immediately fled the scene.
Deputies later identified the fleeing individual as Eric Patterson, 44, described by authorities as a 15-time convicted felon with a history of violent and weapons-related offenses. The victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, and doctors soon discovered that the bullet also struck her unborn child.
Authorities say Patterson drove away in the victim’s vehicle after dropping her off.
Investigators Say the Victim Was Shot While Sleeping With Her Children
Detectives quickly uncovered disturbing details about the moments leading up to the shooting.
According to investigators, the pregnant woman had been sleeping in bed with two of her children when Patterson allegedly stood over her and fired a small-caliber handgun at close range.
A detention affidavit describes the crime scene:
- A bed sheet was found with a large bloodstain
- A hole in the sheet showed burn residue, suggesting the gun was fired inches from the victim
- The bullet passed through the mother’s abdomen and into the baby’s abdomen
The motive for the shooting has not been made public.
The sheriff’s office noted that surveillance cameras captured both Patterson and the victim exiting the apartment, with the woman holding her stomach in pain. Additional hospital security footage showed Patterson dropping her off before speeding away.
Mother Undergoes Emergency Surgery; Baby Delivered Prematurely
Due to the severity of the injury, doctors performed an emergency surgery and induced delivery. The infant girl, born prematurely after the shooting, was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for specialized care.
During surgery, doctors removed a small-caliber bullet from the newborn’s abdomen.
Authorities describe the baby’s survival as remarkable given the trauma.
Deputies later located Patterson and took him into custody without incident.
Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Patterson now faces a long list of charges, including:
- Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a pregnant female
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony
- Shooting into a building
- Two counts of child neglect
Investigators say additional charges may follow as the case progresses.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff praised the mother and child’s resilience:
“It is truly extraordinary that both the mother and her newborn baby survived. Their strength in the face of this tragedy is a powerful reminder of why we remain committed to protecting every family in our community.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
As Florida authorities continue gathering evidence and monitoring the recovery of both victims, more updates are expected in the days ahead. For continued coverage on major criminal cases, public safety developments, and breaking investigations across the country, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.