BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Burke County Pastor Adam Vines says his 2-year-old son Daniel is recovering after an accidental shooting last month.
On Monday, Vines told WCNC Charlotte that Daniel is getting stronger every day and can drink on his own now.
Daniel continues to get treatment at Levine Children's Hospital and is expected to return home in about three weeks.
Last month, Daniel was in critical condition after being shot in the head at a church in Burke County last month.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported shooting at River Valley Baptist Church in Morganton a little before 8 p.m. on Oct. 15. When deputies arrived, they were told that the child was shot in the head and officers immediately requested a medical helicopter. The child was airlifted to Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte and underwent emergency surgery.
WCNC Charlotte spoke with the pastor, who said it was his 2-year-old son that was shot, and that it was his gun.
Pastor Adam Vines said his 3-year old son found the gun in the van Sunday night following the service and accidently fired it.
The sheriff's office said the child was listed in critical condition after surgery. Vines told WCNC Charlotte his son is stable following surgery and doctor and hopeful the toddler can make a full recovery.
Officials are still working to determine exactly how one of the children got access to the handgun. The Burke County Sheriff's Office said it will release more information as it becomes available.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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