Glen Alpine police investigate shooting involving minors at alderwoman's residence

One boy was hospitalized in a July 3 Glen Alpine accidental shooting that involved two other minors.

Preliminary investigation shows that the juveniles were “dry firing” at each other with a 9mm and a .40-caliber firearm outside the home of Glen Alpine alderwoman Sheila Perkins.

One boy went inside the house at 102 Parker St. While inside, one of the other boys apparently had chambered a round in the 9mm, said Glen Alpine Police Chief Kirk Penley. When the boy came back outside, he was shot.

The bullet first entered and passed through his left leg and then his right leg, the chief said. Burke EMS was called, and the boy was taken to UNC Health Blue Ridge, where he was later transported to another hospital.

The police chief, captain, and two other Glen Alpine officers responded to the call around 3:30 p.m. the day of the incident. Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman and sheriff’s deputies also assisted.

No adults were at the home at the time of the shooting. The shooting has been classified as accidental, Penley said.

The boy who fired the weapon has been referred to the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJDP), Penley said. Any action related to the minor is the responsibility of Juvenile Justice, he said.

Perkins said the gun that was in the minor’s possession did not belong to her and she was unaware that it had been brought to her home.

“I have been a foster parent for over seven years. I have devoted my life to trying to make a difference in the lives of children (and adults),” Perkins stated, adding that the shooting was accidental and did not involve her foster child.

Perkins also stated that there have been no charges related to the incident.

The investigation is now looking into where the boys, who are minors, obtained the weapons. Selling firearms to minors is illegal.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also helping local law enforcement, according to Corey Ray, public information officer for ATF’s Charlotte Field Division.