HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. () — A 6-year-old boy is still in the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound on Sunday.
The specifics of the shooting are still unknown, but the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has stated that the incident serves as a regrettable reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms.
The HCSO reported that they received a call yesterday from Hampton Regional Hospital about a victim with a gunshot wound. Upon their arrival, they discovered that the victim was a 6-year-old boy.
That sparked an investigation by the HCSO, who called the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for assistance.
We have learned that SLED is now the lead investigator on the case.
The 6-year-old boy was shot at his home on Fox Trail Road in Early Branch.
SLED has yet to confirm details of how he was shot.
“We ask everyone to keep the family and the child in their thoughts and prayers for his recovery and hope they get through this difficult time,” said HCSO Deputy Chief Michael Ricks.
This is the first incident in the county of a child being shot this year.
“It’s not often that this has occurred. We normally try to help citizens get safety gun laws and we try to teach the safety courses, so they understand gun safety,” said Ricks.
It’s an unfortunate circumstance that Hampton County Officials said they are turning into a lesson for all gun owners.
“Gun safety is very important. Sometimes we don’t think children can get access to our guns, but if we don’t properly prepare, then we put our children at risk,” said Ricks.
Ricks said their department has been keen on gun safety, passing out gun locks at several events, like one last month, and at their upcoming National Night Out event.
But they said they believe there’s more gun owners can do to keep their gun and family protected.
“We recommend that you have some type of gun safety, whether you have a safe or whether you have locks on your gun,” said Ricks. “We recommend, if you don’t have any of those that you take the ammo out of the gun, take the magazines out, separate the two. You can have one in one location, one in another, and that will help keep them safe.”
The boy’s mom declined to be on camera, but she did tell that she is still shaken over the incident. She said her son made it through surgery and was responsive to nurses this morning, and she hopes that continues to be the outcome.
The incident is still under investigation by SLED.
