A pregnant woman was forced to undergo an emergency delivery after deputies said she was shot in the abdomen by a 15-time convicted felon while she slept beside her two children. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that Brandon Regional Hospital reached out shortly before 5:20 a.m. on November 22, alerting authorities that a pregnant woman had been dropped off at the Emergency Room with a gunshot wound.
Hospital staff told investigators that a man brought the woman to the entrance and immediately drove away. Detectives later learned that the victim, who was eight months pregnant, had been sleeping in bed with two of her children when 44-year-old Eric Patterson allegedly fired the shot that struck her.
Deputies said the bullet also hit her unborn baby, creating a life-threatening situation for both mother and child. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman needed emergency surgery, prompting doctors to deliver her baby early. The newborn was later airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for additional surgery.
Officials have not released updates on the long-term condition of either the mother or the child, but both survived the initial critical care. Investigators identified Patterson as the suspect and launched an intensive search. On November 25, 2025, detectives located and arrested him.
He now faces a long list of charges that include 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 a firearm during the commission of a felony, and two counts of child neglect.
Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the efforts of the investigative team and expressed relief that the mother and baby survived the attack. He said, “What could have ended as a heartbreaking tragedy is now a miracle story of survival and resilience. 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.”
Authorities have not yet released details about a possible motive or what may have led to the shooting. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. Community members have expressed shock at the violence, especially since the attack occurred while the victim was asleep next to her young children. Patterson remains in custody as he awaits future court proceedings.
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