An investigation is underway after the 2-year-old son of a pastor was shot in the head outside of his father’s church on Sunday evening. Investigators believe the shooting was an accident. The toddler is in stable condition.
The Burke County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina said in a statement that emergency services responded to a call from River Valley Baptist Church in Morganton around 8:26 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 15). When emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, they airlifted the young boy to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he underwent surgery.
The child had been in critical condition but has since stabilized, according to WBTV. Doctors are hopeful that he will make a full recovery.
Witnesses described hearing a single shot fired inside a car in the parking lot.
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Adam Vines, pastor at the church and father of the victim, told WBTV that the victim was his son and that it was his other son who accidentally fired the shot. The weapon had been in the back of Vines’ van, and the child got a hold of it following a Sunday evening service at River Valley Baptist Church and accidentally shot his brother.
“It did go in behind his ear, but it went across the corner on the lower side instead of going through the brain,” Vines said. “His talking, communications, his moving ability, all of that part is still intact.”
Vines requested prayer for both of his sons, including the son who fired the shot.
“He’s in shock for the most part,” Vines said. The boy who fired the shot is three years old, according to WCNC.
Kevin Barlow, who attends River Valley Baptist Church and lives nearby, told WSOC that he heard the single gunshot from his home. After learning that the toddler had been shot, Barlow said that he and his wife spent much of the night praying for the child and his family.
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“My hearts go out to them,” Barlow said. “We will help in any way we can, and God is the help that you need.”
