Brandon, Florida – A Florida mother and her unborn baby are recovering after deputies say she was shot in the stomach while sleeping next to two of her children. A 44-year-old man with a long criminal history is now behind bars, accused of pulling the trigger and fleeing the hospital moments after dropping her off.
Deputies say the violence unfolded before sunrise on Nov. 22, when the woman — eight months pregnant — was brought to the emergency room with a gunshot wound to her abdomen. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the man who drove her there ran from the entrance immediately after. Investigators later identified him as Eric Patterson, described by deputies as a “15-time convicted felon.”
Incident overview
Detectives say the woman had been sleeping in her bed at the time of the shooting, with two young children beside her. In their report, officials state that Patterson fired a small-caliber handgun directly at her stomach while she rested in the master bedroom of her apartment. The round passed through her abdomen and struck her unborn daughter.
Inside the room, investigators found a sheet stained with blood and marked with a burn ring consistent with a firearm being discharged at close range. Prosecutors later detailed the same evidence in a detention motion filed with the court.
How deputies pieced together the timeline
According to investigators, surveillance video proved critical. Cameras inside the apartment building reportedly showed the victim clutching her stomach as she walked out of the home with Patterson. Additional video at the hospital captured the pair arriving together — and Patterson quickly leaving the area.
Deputies also say Patterson fled in the victim’s own vehicle, which was later recovered. The sheriff’s office alleges the suspect attempted to discard or hide the weapon, prompting an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
Emergency surgery and newborn’s condition
The woman underwent immediate surgery and an emergency induction due to the severity of the injury. Her baby girl was delivered prematurely and airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for specialized treatment. Doctors removed a small-caliber projectile from the newborn’s abdomen during surgery.
Despite the trauma, both mother and child survived. Authorities say their recovery is ongoing and the investigation remains active.
Charges the suspect is facing
Patterson is being held on multiple felony counts, including:
Aggravated battery on a pregnant woman
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Shooting into a building
Possession of a firearm during a felony
Child neglect (two counts)
Tampering with physical evidence
Deputies note he has 15 prior felony convictions.
What investigators say so far
While the sheriff’s office has not detailed what led up to the shooting, the detention motion alleges Patterson “knowingly grabbed a small-caliber handgun while the victim was lying in bed” before pulling the trigger. No additional motive has been released.
Sheriff Chad Chronister released a statement praising investigators and emphasizing the rare outcome given the severity of the injuries.
“What could have ended as a heartbreaking tragedy is now a miracle story of survival and resilience,” he said. “It is truly extraordinary that both the mother and her newborn baby survived.”
Community concerns and context
Domestic violence experts say cases involving pregnant women are especially dangerous because abusers often escalate during late-term pregnancy. Florida law allows for enhanced penalties when a victim is expecting. Hillsborough County deputies have encouraged anyone experiencing threats, violence, or coercion at home to reach out to local hotlines or their office for assistance.
This case comes at a time when local agencies are reporting an increase in domestic violence-related calls, particularly those involving weapons. Authorities stress that early intervention can prevent severe injury or loss of life.
What happens next
Prosecutors have requested that Patterson remain detained pre-trial due to the seriousness of the charges and his criminal history. Additional charges are possible as detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Both the mother and her baby girl remain under medical care, and officials say updates on their conditions will be released as appropriate.
If you have experienced or witnessed domestic violence in your community, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
