A 15-time convicted felon was recently arrested for shooting a pregnant woman in Central Florida, also striking her unborn baby.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the man for shooting his pregnant girlfriend. Brandon Regional Hospital notified HCSO that a pregnant woman was dropped off at the emergency room with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Hospital staff reported a man fled immediately after bringing her to the hospital.
Detectives identified that man as 44-year-old Eric Patterson, a 15-time convicted felon.
Detectives learned that the victim, who was eight months pregnant, was sleeping in bed with two of her children when Patterson shot her in the abdomen. The bullet also struck her unborn baby.
The victim required emergency surgery, and her baby was delivered and later airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for surgery.
Hillsborough County detectives arrested Patterson on charges including: Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon on a Pregnant Female, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Shooting at Within or into a Building, Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony, and Child Neglect (x2).
“What could have ended as a heartbreaking tragedy is now a miracle story of survival and resilience,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives worked tirelessly to locate the suspect, and I am grateful he is now in custody. 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.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
