Officials: NC Cop Shot Son in Head in Apparent Accident

The 15-year-old is said to be in critical condition
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 29, 2021 1:42 PM CST
Officials: NC Cop Shot Son in Head in Apparent Accident
Stock image.   (Getty Images)

A North Carolina police department is asking for prayers for the family of one of its own: a Jacksonville police officer who allegedly shot his teen son in the head in what was apparently an accident. Neither the officer nor the 15-year-old have been identified. The incident happened around 4:30pm Monday afternoon. A press release states that the teen "sustained a life-threatening injury from a single gunshot wound to the head." He is currently hospitalized at Vidant Medical Center in Pitt County and is in critical condition. NBC News reports it's not clear if the gun in question was one issued to the officer by his department.

"This is a tragic event and this matter remains under investigation by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office," said District Attorney Ernie Lee. "The reports, statements, and other evidence from the investigation will be provided to this office to determine what actions, if any, will be taken." The News & Observer reports the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday said "all preliminary indications are that the incident was an accidental shooting." The officer has been placed on administrative leave. (More accident stories.)

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