RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – A father faces charges after two small children got access to a semi-automatic pistol and one got shot in the arm Saturday (August 29), according to police.
Jacquan Corbett (photo courtesy Raleigh Police Department)
On Saturday, at approximately 1:43 p.m., Raleigh Police officers responded to WakeMed North regarding a report of a 23-month-old child who had been shot.
While officers were en route to the hospital, they were also provided the reported shooting location at 121 Ridgewood Dr. Additional officers responded to the residence to investigate.
At the hospital, officers made contact with the child and the child’s father. The preliminary investigation determined that two children under the age of three were able to access an unsecured firearm inside the residence. While the children were handling the firearm, it discharged one time, striking one child in the arm.
The child was transported to the hospital, where the child was treated and released.
The child’s father, Jacquan Corbett, 30, was the only adult in the residence supervising the children at the time of the shooting. Corbett was arrested and charged with:
- Negligent Child Abuse – Serious Physical Injury
- Permit Children to Use Firearms
- Misdemeanor Child Abuse – 2 counts
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Marijuana
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Synthetic Cannabinoid
- Felony Possession of Schedule I Narcotics
- Felony Maintaining a Dwelling
Other family members responded to the hospital and took custody of the children.
Child Protective Services was notified and is assisting with the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Gun Safety at Home
Raleigh Police strongly encourage all firearm owners to practice safe firearm storage, particularly in homes where children are present.
- Community members can pick up free gun locks at any Raleigh district police stations.
- Firearms should be stored securely and inaccessible to children.
- Secure storage can also help prevent firearms from being stolen during vehicle break-ins and residential burglaries.
- Responsible firearm storage is an important step in preventing accidental shootings and keeping our community safe.