On Wednesday evening, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in a Charlotte, N.C., apartment when a 3-year-old child was found bleeding from the head. The child had sustained a serious injury from an apparent gunshot wound to the head, as reported in the incident document.
Authorities believe that the child accidentally shot himself with his mother's unsecured firearm. The incident was pinpointed to a six-minute window around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the official report.
The child, whose identity has been withheld due to his age, was swiftly transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The mother was present at home during the incident, and pending charges are expected to be filed in the case. North Carolina is among the states with laws addressing gun safety concerning child access and secure storage, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
Emphasizing the importance of responsible gun ownership, Major Bret Balamucki stressed the need for secure firearm storage, especially in households with children. He highlighted the potential risks associated with unsecured loaded weapons that children could access.
This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role each individual plays in ensuring gun safety, particularly in households with children. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the child's access to the firearm.