CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 3-year-old child was taken to a hospital after another child accidentally shot them late Monday morning.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department says they were called to Long Ridge Lane just after 11:30 a.m. They found the child suffering from a gunshot wound, and Medic took the child to a hospital for treatment. CMPD says the child was facing non-life-threatening injuries in a news release.
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On Tuesday, CMPD announced 33-year-old Willie Allen would face charges in the incident. According to officers, Allen had unsecured guns at his residence and was the only adult at home when the gun was accidentally fired by the other child. Several other loaded guns were also found during a search of the home, all of which CMPD said were easily accessible.
Allen is now charged with failing to properly store a firearm to protect a minor and was additionally charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.
CMPD originally said the child who was injured was four years old, but later updated to say the child was three years old.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
Because Allen is in custody, firearms were seized, and the child faced non-life-threatening injuries, his mugshot isn't being shown. However, CMPD provided photos of the guns they seized.
