CHARLOTTE, NC – A devastating event in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulted in a three-year-old boy accidentally shooting himself with an unattended firearm. He died shortly after from a gunshot wound to the head. According to accounts made by investigating law enforcement, the toddler shot himself with his mother’s unsecured gun.
Police have determined that the incident likely happened around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Immediately following the accident, the toddler was transported to the hospital with severe injuries. However, despite medical efforts, the toddler was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The child’s mother was present at home during the accidental shooting, shared Mike Allinger, a spokesperson for the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Police Department. Charges connected to the incident are pending and are expected to be filed in the coming days.
North Carolina counts among the 26 states that have laws addressing the issue of child access to guns and their secure storage, Everytown for Gun Safety’s data shows. Allinger confirmed the existence of such a law in the state.
Major Bret Balamucki commented on the heartrending incident during a press conference, stating that accidents like this should remind everyone of the massive responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. He stressed the importance of secure storage, particularly of loaded weapons.
This tragic incident is currently under ongoing investigation.