Toddler shot by another child while handling unsecured gun, Raleigh police charge father
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh father is facing multiple charges after police say a toddler was shot when two young children gained access to an unsecured gun inside a home.
According to the Raleigh Police Department (RPD), officers responded to WakeMed North around 1:43 p.m. on Saturday after receiving a report that a 23-month-old child had been shot. Officers were also told that the shooting had occurred at a home on Ridgewood Drive.
Police said their preliminary investigation found that two children younger than three years old got hold of an unsecured gun inside the home. While the children were handling the gun, it fired, striking one of the children in the arm.
The child was treated and later released from the hospital.
RPD said Jacquan Corbett, 30, who is the injured child's father, was supervising the children when the shooting happened.
Corbett was arrested and charged with:
- Negligent child abuse resulting in serious physical injury
- Permitting children to use firearms
- Two counts of misdemeanor child abuse
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver synthetic cannabinoid
- Felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance
- Felony maintaining a dwelling
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Following the shooting, other family members responded to the hospital and took custody of the children, police said. Additionally, Child Protective Services has been notified and is assisting with the investigation.
Secure your guns
Raleigh police urged gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes where children are present.
"Responsible firearm storage is an important step in preventing accidental shootings and keeping our community safe," the department said.
RPD says free gun locks are available at Raleigh district stations.
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