GREENVILLE, NC – A heartbreaking event took place in Greenville, North Carolina, when a toddler found a firearm in his home and accidentally shot himself. The distressing incident occurred on Friday night, and saw the Greenville Police Department rushing to a residence on Beech Street around 10 p.m.
The 3-year-old boy was swiftly transported to ECU Health Medical Center after the incident. Despite the relentless efforts of the emergency medical team, the toddler was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Early findings by the Greenville Police Department suggest that the toddler discovered the gun in his home and accidentally shot himself. The police have decided not to release the child’s identity at this time, giving the family space to inform their loved ones.
In a social media statement, the Greenville Police Department mentioned that the firearm appeared to have been stored appropriately. The adults in the residence, they said, had made efforts to keep the weapon out of the toddler’s reach.
The Pitt County District Attorney’s Office, after consultation, has deemed the incident a heartbreaking accident. Currently, no charges are expected to be brought forward in relation to the incident.