HICKORY, N.C. — A 4-year-old boy has accidentally shot himself after finding a handgun inside a home Saturday morning, according to the Hickory Police Department.
Police told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty the shooting happened along 3rd Avenue Southwest in Hickory.
Police said an adult family member was in the home at the time of the shooting and immediately called 911 for help.
Before the ambulance arrived, a family member had rushed the little boy to Frye Regional Medical Center. The boy was later flown to Brenner Children’s Hospital.
Police said he is in critical condition but stable.
The boy’s family members told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty that he is moving around and is set to have surgery on Monday.
Faherty spoke to the boy’s step-grandfather Alan Mitchell Jr., who wanted to share a message with the community.
“Kyrie is strong. He’s a fighter. God is good. The prayers … We feel the prayers. The family feels the prayers. You all keep praying for him,” said Mitchell.
An investigation into how the child found the firearm is ongoing, according to reports. Channel 9 has learned investigators seized the weapon from the home.
“I do pray that this little boy will be OK,” neighbor Kay Spencer said. “That was so sad and truly my heart goes out to the parents. Make sure if you have a gun, keep it locked up.”
No one has been charged in connection with the shooting.
Investigators also want to remind people to secure their weapons to keep children and others from getting hurt.
“You actually put more people in danger if you own a weapon and don’t know how to safely handle that weapon,” Sgt. Randy Isenhour said.
Police told Faherty they have more interviews they want to conduct before talking with the district attorney about the case.
Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551 or contact Investigator L. Whitener directly by phone at 828-261-2628 or by email at lwhitener@hickorync.gov.
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