Man charged after 4-year-old accidentally shot by another child

CHARLOTTE — Police said a man has been charged after a 4-year-old boy was accidentally shot by another child Monday morning in northwest Charlotte.

Officers were called around 11:30 a.m. to a home on Long Ridge Lane, near Mt. Holly Road and Interstate 485. When police got there they found a 4-year-old who had been shot in the shoulder area.

MEDIC took the boy to the hospital with what was described as a non-life-threatening injury.

“This particular victim was responsive and talking so very, very, very fortunate,” CMPD Maj. Brian Foley said.

Investigators said another child in the home found an unsecured gun inside the house and accidentally shot the 4-year-old.

CMPD Police are investing a shooting involving a 4 year-old victim on Long Ridge lane pic.twitter.com/HW5uHar3Dq
— J.evans (@jevansWSOC9) August 16, 2021

On Tuesday, police charged 33-year-old Willie Allen with failure to properly store a firearm to protect a minor and possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to officers, Allen was the only adult in the house at the time of the shooting and several loaded and easily accessible guns were found inside the home.

Police said they have seen too many cases of children easily accessing loaded weapons.

“This is all about the safety of our kids,” Foley said. “I know that people want to be safe and they want to have firearms and take care of themselves, but these are your own children, your own families -- it’s your responsibility to take care of your weapons.”

(WATCH BELOW: Father, 7-year-old son hurt in accidental south Charlotte shooting)