Police say deadly shooting in Statesville was possibly an accident

STATESVILLE, N.C. — Statesville police said a deadly shooting Thursday afternoon was possibly an accident.

Officers responded to an apartment building on East Front Street near South Tradd Street.

Police said a man in his late-70s accidentally shot a friend who had brought over a handgun to show him.

“It looks like it could possibly be an accidental shooting,” Capt. Anthony Hamby said. “The suspect and the victim knew each other very well and possibly were looking at guns, and one accidentally went off.”

Police said the elderly man who lived at the home called 911 and alerted authorities about the shooting.

Investigators said they recovered the handgun, and the man who fired the weapon was hospitalized after police arrived.

Homer Ball works in a garage nearby and knows the man in the hospital well.

Ball didn’t hear the gunfire but doesn’t believe his friend would internationally hurt anyone.

“Wouldn’t hurt nobody,” Ball said. “He’s too old. Always been a friend. Done bodywork for everybody in the county and everything. He’s just a nice easy-going guy.”

Police said they will speak with the district attorney and let her decide on any possible charges in the case.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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