On June 5, 2026, deputies responded to a reported accidental, self-inflicted shooting involving a child. During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that circumstances surrounding the incident warranted criminal charges against the a woman who was allegedly watching the child, identified as Nicole Felippe. This affidavit outlines the facts and evidence gathered during the investigation that establish probable cause for the charges filed in connection with the shooting.
The defendant’s criminal history includes prior arrests for possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, battery, failure to appear, and violation of probation.
“The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on June 5, 2026 involving a six year old child, VICTIM – REDACTED being shot in the right leg by a handgun. The incident occurred at REDACTED Bishop James Cochran Way, Winter Haven, Florida.
I responded to Winter Haven Hospital and learned the following information; Nicole Felippe was the only adult home with THE VICTIM (6 YOA) when she heard a pop after she exited the shower. Nicole advised she ran out of the room, saw blood everywhere and wrapped up THE VICTIM and then transported him to Winter Haven Hospital.
A sworn recorded interview was conducted with REDACTED (father of THE VICTIM) who advised he was out running errands and left THE VICTIM in the care of Nicole at their residence. REDACTED was at Dollar General around the corner from the residence when he received a phone call from Nicole advising something happened to THE VICTIM. REDACTED returned to the residence where he observed blood to be spattered around the residence. He observed a small black handgun that he did not recognize on the floor of the residence. REDACTED picked the firearm up and placed it on to a shelf. REDACTED and Nicole then transported THE VICTIM to Winter Haven Hospital to seek treatment. Neither party contacted law enforcement nor emergency medical services in attempts to get help forTHE VICTIM. It should be noted REDACTED advised him and Nicole often have parties but are unaware of anyone bringing firearms to the residence.
A screening was conducted with THE VICTIM at Winter Haven Hospital and I learned the following information: He found a gun and shot it subsequently striking himself in the right leg. THE VICTIM was at his father’s house when this occurred. THE VICTIMdisclosed Rose who was later identified as Nicole Felippe was the person who drove him to Winter Haven Hospital in his daddy’s car.
Winter Haven Hospital Medical Staff confirmed THE VICTIM sustained tibia fracture to his right leg and it appears the round from the firearm entered through his thigh and exited through his shin.
I arrived to the residence and made contact with Nicole Felippe. I explained to Nicole the process to which I requested her consent to go into the residence to collect items of evidentiary value to which she refused to provide consent.
A search warrant was written for the residence in order to locate items of evidentiary value which was authored by The Honorable Judge Cassandra Denmark. The search warrant was executed at 2102 hours on June 5, 2026.
While searching the residence for the firearm, I observed a baggie containing a green leafy substance, a lid container containing a green leafy substance, a plate containing a green leafy substance, a gold scale, and a glass pipe which is commonly used as a smoking device in plain view of Nicole’s bedroom. The items were located in various locations such as underneath a table and on top of a table. It should be noted Nicole is the sole occupant of this bedroom.
I utilized a DetectaChem – CBD/THC test kit on a portion of the substance, which yielded a blue color, indicating a presumptive positive for THC result, indicating the presence of 0.3% or more.
Based on the information learned during my investigation, probable cause exists to show Nicole Felippe violated FSS 827.03(2)(B).- Neglect a Child with Great Bodily Harm with culpable negligence while she was the sole caregiver of THE VICTIM who was able to obtain a firearm and shoot himself in the leg, FSS 893.13(6)(B)- Possession of Cannabis Under 20 Grams and FSS 893.147(1)- Poss /Use Drug Paraphernalia while having cannabis in her bedroom and smoking devices in plain view of her bedroom.”
