12-Year-Old Shooting Victim's Dad Accused Of Making Synthetic Pot

PARRISH, FL — The father of a 12-year-old boy, who suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound last month, is facing multiple drug charges after police discovered what appeared to be a synthetic marijuana manufacturing operation in his home.

The child was airlifted to Bayfront Hospital on Jan. 9, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The incident occurred around 3:39 p.m. at the Harrison Ranch subdivision of Parrish.

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Forty-one-year-old Haithan S. Suleiman was charged Wednesday with possession of a residence to manufacture a controlled substance, trafficking in synthetic cannabinoids, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Prior to the shot being fired, police said Suleiman was sitting on the couch with his son in the living room working on the boy's homework.

"At one point, the boy got up from the couch and went into his bedroom," the sheriff's office said. "A short time later Haithan heard a pop and went to investigate. After checking the garage, Haithan located his son in his bedroom with a probable gunshot wound to his head. The parents called 9-1-1 and were instructed on how to initiate CPR."

Detectives later discovered evidence of a Spice manufacturing operation, according to the sheriff's department.

An agency spokesperson said the boy has been hospitalized since the incident but that his condition has improved.

"It is still unknown if he shot himself accidentally or intentionally," the sheriff's office said. The agency said additional charges may be filed against the child's mother.

The investigation was conducted by Crimes Against Children as well as narcotics detectives.

Photo of Haithan S. Suleiman courtesy Manatee County Sheriff's Office