Walterboro man critically injured after being accidentally shot by 2-year-old

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) — A man is listed in serious condition after a 2-year-old accidentally shot him Monday morning.

The incident occurred at a house on London Lane just before 8 a.m. when the child accessed a loaded gun that had been left unsecured on a bed. The 20-year-old man told deputies that he attempted to take an AK-47-style gun from the child when the child accidentally fired it, striking the man in the abdomen.

Colleton County Fire-Rescue treated the victim, who had several wounds, before transporting him to a Charleston-area trauma center. The Department of Social Services was notified to ensure the child’s safety as the incident remains under investigation.

The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office has released a statement following the incident:

“This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of firearm safety. We fully support the Second Amendment and the lawful ownership of firearms; however, with that right comes the responsibility to ensure weapons are stored safely and securely, particularly in homes with children. A moment of negligence can result in lifelong consequences. We urge all gun owners to prioritize safety to prevent tragedies like this from occurring,”