PLYMOUTH, N.C. – On Sunday, October 26, 2025, at approximately 11:03 p.m., officers from the Plymouth Police Department were dispatched to a residence located at 113 Anne Street, Plymouth, North Carolina, in reference to a report of a child being shot.
Upon arrival, officers and emergency medical personnel located a 6-year-old child suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the agency’s statement, released on Nov. 3. The injured child was immediately taken to the Washington Regional Medical Center and then on to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for further treatment.
The preliminary investigation determined that another child inside the home gained access to an unsecured firearm, resulting in an accidental discharge that struck the victim. Evidence gathered at the scene and subsequent interviews indicate the shooting was accidental and preventable.
As a result of the investigation, criminal charges have been obtained against two adults associated with the residence. The charges stem from the failure to properly secure a firearm and contributing to circumstances that resulted in serious injury to a child.
Additional details, including the identities of those charged, will be released once arrest warrants have been served.
“This incident is a tragic and powerful reminder of the importance of responsible firearm ownership. Leaving a firearm unsecured — particularly in a home where children are present — is both dangerous and unacceptable. Safe storage practices save lives,” said Chief Louis Banks in a press release. “Our thoughts are with the family affected by this tragedy. The Plymouth Police Department remains committed to promoting firearm safety and education throughout our community to help prevent incidents like this from ever happening again.”
The Plymouth Police Department encourages all residents to practice safe firearm storage and take advantage of free gun locks available at the department. Education and prevention are key to keeping our community safe.
Anyone seeking more information about firearm safety or wishing to obtain a free gun lock may contact the Plymouth Police Department at (252) 793-4680 or visit the department during regular business hours.