Hickory Police respond to accidental self-inflicted shooting

On Saturday February 26, 2022, at approximately 10:35 a.m., Hickory Police Officers responded to 1107 3rd Avenue SW and Frye Regional Medical Center after receiving a 911 call that a four year old male had accidentally shot himself after finding a handgun in the home. An adult family member was in the home at the time of the shooting and immediately called 911 for help. The child was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center by a family member prior to the arrival of emergency responders. The child was airlifted to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital and is currently in critical condition. “This is a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.” The investigation into how the child came to be in possession of the firearm is on-going. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551 or contact Investigator L. Whitener directly at 828-261-2628 or lwhitener@hickorync.gov.