LAWNDALE, N.C. — A 1-year-old child is expected to make a full recovery after being accidentally shot in Cleveland County, the sheriff's office confirmed to WCNC Charlotte.
The child was shot by a 3-year-old sibling on Tuesday, according to authorities. The children had access to a gun kept inside the home in the Lawndale community.
Those living near Buck Horn Lane say first responders lined the streets when the shooting took place. Charles Thurman was among those startled to learn what happened.
“I think it’s messed up how somebody would let a kid get a gun to hurt another kid," Thurman said. "They should’ve had it put up, out of reach. Out of reach – period.”
The injured child was taken to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte.
"I got two little great-grandkids that stay out here in this mobile home," Harvey Hector, another neighbor, said. "A bullet don't have no eyes and you don't know how far that thing may go. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of it."
Earlier this year, WCNC Charlotte spoke to staff at Hyatt Coin and Gun Shop, after a separate 1-year-old was shot in Charlotte. They shared a variety of methods to store guns from cases to lock boxes.
"If you own a gun, make sure that when you’re not using it it’s locked up and secure," Mitch Hyatt said. "There’s a variety of products out there. Everything from free to $100 that you can do everything you need and have it available when need it, but locked up when you don’t.”
Authorities said they are continuing to investigate and urged gun owners to practice safe firearm storage to prevent future shootings.