Special task force working to prevent child gun deaths in North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A special task force in North Carolina is pushing for tougher laws when it comes to preventing child guns deaths.

In February, a 3-year-old in east Charlotte got ahold of a loaded gun and accidentally shot and killed himself.

“We have a 3-year-old toddler dead because he was able to gain access to a firearm,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Major Bret Balamucki said at the scene. “If you own firearms for your own safety in your home, you have to keep them secured and locked.”

So far, there have not been any charges filed in the case.

The NC Child Fatality Task Force’s goal is simply to prevent child deaths and promote well-being. Members said such tragedies do not have to happen and called them “preventable.”

Over the past 10 years, there have been 680 child deaths in North Carolina due to firearm injuries. The NC Child Fatality Task Force stresses the importance of using gun locks and safely storing weapons.

Data shows that more than 75% of guns used in suicide attempts and in cases of unintentional injuries were stored in the home of the victim, a relative or a friend. Numbers also show that more than 40% of adults in NC have a gun in their home, half of which are stored either loaded or in unlocked spaces.

”Those guns can end up in school environment,” one member said. “Thirty percent of high school students say they could be ready to fire a gun in less than an hour without a parent or other adult’s permission.”

To prevent guns getting in the hands of children, the task force is supporting legislation which would change state laws addressing safe storage, with the hope that it could protect minors.

The task force can make recommendations, but it is up to lawmakers to draft a bill and act on the advice. The NC General Assembly will be back in session later this month.

CMPD: Toddler killed in east Charlotte shooting

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