LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Lincoln County Sheriff David Carpenter says he has terminated a deputy after she accidentally shot her daughter with her service weapon Saturday.
Investigators say Deputy Misty Flowers, 38, was showing the operation of the weapon to friends at her home on Loop Road when the gun accidentally fired and went through a wall striking her 11-year-old daughter.
The child was airlifted to a hospital in Charlotte where she is listed in stable condition following surgery.
Sheriff Carpenter released the following statement, “I find gross negligence and the disregard for the safety of others was displayed in the incident Saturday night and therefore Officer Flowers was terminated today. This is totally separate from the SBI investigation into the incident that occurred at her residence.”
Sheriff Carpenter went on to say, “During this entire situation my focus has been on the well-being and condition of the child involved and am of the understanding the child is going to be ok after the surgery. This is a very tragic situation for all involved, the officer, her family, her career and everyone that has been touched by this. We continue to pray for healing of the child and the entire family as the investigation continues over the next several days.”
