Surry County, North Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded in Surry County, resulting in the accidental shooting and death of a child, as reported by the sheriff’s office. Timothy James Gertsch faces charges related to firearm storage practices to protect minors. The sheriff’s office expressed deep sorrow for the family affected by this heartbreaking event.
On February 23rd, at 12:50 p.m., deputies rushed to Old Lowgap Road in Lowgap in response to an unresponsive child who tragically lost their life due to a gunshot wound. The authorities discovered an 8-year-old child deceased at the scene. The severity of the situation prompted the involvement of the Criminal Investigation Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, who conducted a thorough examination of the incident.
Following the guidelines set by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, gun owners are mandated to ensure the safe storage of firearms in their possession. The NC SAFE advises utilizing gun safes, lockboxes, gun cases, cable locks, or trigger locks for secure storage. It is crucial to ensure that guns are unloaded when not in use and are not left unattended or unsecured in any location, including vehicles.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible firearm ownership and adherence to safety protocols. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting continues, as authorities work to understand the sequence of events leading to this devastating outcome. The community mourns the loss of the young life and emphasizes the significance of proper firearm safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.