Boy with autism drowns in Pinellas County pool

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The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said a 7-year-old boy drowned in a pool Saturday evening.

According to investigators, first responders were called to a home on 95th Terrace in Seminole around 8:15 p.m.

Deputies said Artemio Shkulaku's parents and grandmother reported him missing. They believed that Shkulaku, who had autism, snuck out of their home through a side door.

Shortly after deputies arrived at the scene, a neighbor across the street found Shkulaku face down in their pool.

The child was taken to Largo Medical Center Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Deputies said the drowning is believed to be accidental.