North Carolina pastor Adam Vines has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor weapons offense following an incident that nearly claimed the life of his 2-year-old son. His prison sentence has been suspended.
In October, the toddler was accidentally shot in the head by his 3-year-old brother while the two sons were in Vines’ van. The vehicle was parked outside of River Valley Baptist Church in Morganton, North Carolina, where Vines serves as pastor. The incident took place shortly after a Sunday evening service.
The 3-year-old apparently happened upon Vines’ firearm in the van and accidentally fired it at his brother, whose name is Daniel. A bullet was lodged behind Daniel’s ear.
Daniel was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, where he underwent surgery. He was later transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital, where he received physical therapy.
“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 at the time. “His talking, communications, his moving ability, all of that part is still intact.”
Vines requested prayer for both of his sons, describing the toddler who accidentally fired the shot as “in shock for the most part.”
After weeks of therapy, Daniel was sent home in November.
Following an investigation by the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Vines was charged that same month. The criminal summons alleged that Vines should have known that a minor would be able to access the firearm.
When it was reported that Vines had been charged, he expressed gratitude that his son was alive and recovering.
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“Daniel is doing wonderful. Just so thankful to be home,” Vines told WSOC-TV. “As far as the charge is concerned, all I can say is to God be the glory. It could have been worse but the Lord watched over us all.”
