CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C.,None — brightcove.createExperiences();
Police pulled guns from a Caldwell County home after a 2-year-old girl was shot in the chest Thursday morning.
The incident happened near Sawmills School Road about 7 a.m.
A medical helicopter was at the scene within minutes to transport the child to Carolinas Medical Center.
Channel 9's Dave Faherty watched as firefighters and rescuers scrambled to get the toddler to the medical helicopter that had landed across the street from the Sawmills Fire Department.
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Next door to the home where the shooting happened, neighbor Molly Drum was in shock. "They're precious little girls," Drum said.
Family members said the toddler, who just turned 2 on Wednesday, reached the loaded 357 that was on a computer table.
Her father had just gone into the kitchen when the toddler sat down. The gun went off, striking her in the chest.
"Pray, just pray for her," said family member Norlene Wilson. "And if for God's sakes, you got a gun at home, lock it up. Don't let this happen to your family."
This is the same message deputies want gun owners to hear as they could be seen removing several firearms from the home on Thursday.
"Anybody who owns a firearm needs to make sure they keep them away from small children," said Caldwell County sheriff's Capt. Brian Bennett.
Investigators told Faherty that charges are pending in the case.
Drum, who has known the family for years, doesn't believe the parents should be charged. "Not as good parents as they are. No, I don't. I don't really, because I think it was a bad mistake," she said.
It will be up to the district attorney to decide on any charges.
Firefighters and police told Faherty the child does not have life-threatening injuries but will have to undergo surgery.
Previous Stories: October 20, 2011: Deputies: Caldwell County toddler wounded by gun shot