Man Tells Emergency: 'Don't Worry' as 8-Month-Pregnant Mom and Fetus Survive Being Shot in Their Abdomens

A Florida man has been taken into custody following an incident in which his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn baby were shot in the abdomen but survived. Authorities reported that the victim, whose name has not been released, was brought to a hospital in Brandon, Florida, early on Saturday, November 22.

According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the bullet passed through the abdomen of the 8-months-pregnant woman and also struck the unborn child. Law enforcement quickly identified 44-year-old Eric Patterson as the suspect, and he was arrested on Tuesday.

In a pre-trial filing, officials allege Patterson shot his girlfriend while she was asleep. The couple shares four children. Their 9-year-old daughter told police she woke up to a loud "bang" and saw her mother holding her stomach and crying. Patterson was reportedly apologizing, saying repeatedly, Im sorry, it was an accident.

Surveillance footage near the residence showed the couple leaving their apartment, with the woman holding her stomach. She was transported to the hospital before Patterson allegedly fled, investigators said.

During emergency surgery, doctors removed the baby from the mothers womb, and a separate procedure extracted the bullet from the newborns abdomen, according to court documents.

What could have ended as a heartbreaking tragedy is now a miracle story of survival and resilience, Sheriff Chad Chronister said. He praised the mother and child for their strength in the face of the incident.

Phone records indicate that around the time of the shooting, dispatch received a call from a number linked to Patterson. A male voice said, Dont worry, before hanging up. Patterson also allegedly contacted the victims mother to apologize.

Patterson faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a pregnant woman, tampering with evidence, child neglect, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Court records do not yet list his attorney or any entered plea.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or thehotline.org. Calls are confidential and free in over 170 languages.

Author: Sophia Brooks