Recent accidental gun-related death raises safety concerns

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — An overnight shooting on Deborah Court in Greenville Thursday night left a five year old dead from a gunshot wound. Pitt County Sheriff’s Office said that the initial investigation concludes that a six year old accidentally shot the victim.

There have been at least four accidental shootings in eastern North Carolina this year, which raises the concern of properly concealing weapons. Members of ENC Protectives Services said that if you own firearms and have children, concealing your weapons should be a top priority.

“You want to get a lock box, put it somewhere where, you know, obviously your children can’t get to it or you don’t have a lockbox. You want at least unload your firearm get them ammunition away from it and separate the magazines so that they can’t accidentally discharge it hurt themselves,” said Anthony Lee, ENC Protective Services.

Lee added that when you first purchase a firearm there is a statue that if there is anyone under 18 who lives in your home you must lock your firearm safely. Anyone who doesn’t is at risk of a tragedy and a class 1 misdemeanor.

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