Mystery bullet shoots into Fort Meade day care

FORT MEADE, Fla. (FOX 13) - A day after a stray bullet pierced a day care window and went through a ceiling tile, parents are upset and frightened about their children's safety.

"My child was playing on that playground at 1:30 p.m. when it happened yesterday," said Patti Croy, whose 6-year-old son attends Forte Meade Child Development Center.

"I want to know why I didn't get a phone call," said Croy.

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, a bullet was recovered at the scene. No other casings or suspicious activity were discovered nearby.

"We have no idea where this round came from," said Sheriff Grady Judd. "No one heard a gunshot."

Judd said the bullet was found intact and appears to be a hunting rifle round that was shot from a far distance.

"When we looked at the trajectory, and angle, and we saw the energy with where and how it was stopped, it was on its way down from a long way away," said Judd.

Six children were sleeping inside the building and about 20 were playing outside when the bullet hit the building, according to the sheriff's office.

It's unclear where the bullet came from or who shot it, but Judd said nothing indicates the school is in danger.

"It's abundantly clear that no one drove by and shot," Judd said.

However, some parents are haunted by the thought of what could have happened if the bullet had struck somewhere else.

"If it hadn't hit that building, it could have hit my child," said Croy.

The owner of the daycare did not provide any comment on the case and referred all questions to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Judd said the incident serves as a reminder to handle guns with care and never shoot in the air.