Man, woman shot while gunfire narrowly misses baby boy in car seat, deputies say

MONROE, N.C. — Gunshots fired into a car Saturday night hit a man and a woman while narrowly missed a baby boy, Union County deputies said.

Deputies said at about 9:30 p.m., a silver Honda Accord was heading down Griffith Road toward Plyler Mill Road in Monroe. A couple, their 3-month-old child, and the baby’s great uncle were driving home together.

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According to investigators, someone in a car directly behind the Honda shot into the car. The baby’s 60-year-old great uncle and 39-year-old mother were both hit by gunfire and taken to the hospital. Deputies said both are in stable condition.

Detectives examined the Honda and found that one of the bullets narrowly missed the baby’s car seat.

The names of the victims will not be released for their safety, deputies said. The child’s father wasn’t hurt.

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Neighbors told Channel 9 they were shocked by what happened in their community.

“Living right here, we’ve never thought of being in any danger,” Judy Sawyer said.

Deputies don’t believe the shooting was random or due to road rage. They are still working to determine a motive and believe the Honda may have been targeted for some reason.

“As you can imagine, these people are in shock. They were driving down a two-lane road and never expected anyone to shoot into their car,” said Union County Lieutenant James Maye. “It’s just a serious shooting with a complete disregard for safety.”

The Union County Sheriff’s Office said they do not have a good enough description of the suspect’s car and are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with information should call 704-283-3789. The public can also reach the Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600, or by clicking here. Information can be given anonymously and a cash reward may be offered if it leads to a criminal arrest.

Return to wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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