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Gun safety concerns in wake of Onslow Co. child's death

Gun safety a concern in the wake of child's death Monda ... (Added: November 17, 2009)

The death of a three year old boy in Onslow County yesterday shows the importance of gun safety. The child got hold of the family gun and accidentally shot himself. (more)

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Gun safety concerns in wake of Onslow Co. child's death

Death of three-year-old boy in Onslow County highlights importance of gun safety

By Arthur Mondale
Published: November 17, 2009

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The investigation into how a three-year-old got hold of his father's 40-caliber handgun continues. It happened Tuesday morning at a home on Rutherford Way in Onslow County.
The child died when the gun went off and a bullet hit him in the head. His father, Robert Lewis works as a civilian police officer at Camp Lejeune. This tragedy focuses the question on gun safety?
Word of the three-year-old's death spread fast in neighborhoods and into gun shops across the east.
Daniel Morrison has owned Mouse’s Cycle and Guns in Jacksonville since 1978, he admits when it comes to safety features all guns aren't created equal.
Which is why he urges every gun owner to think about how accessible these weapons are in your home, “It should never be no where--where anybody whether it be children or grown-ups--or anybody can be able to get their hands on it,” Morrison said. “It should be in a safe--looked up."
State law doesn't say exactly how you have to store a gun- only that it must be stored and kept away from minors under 18 years of age.
If they get hold of it and injury someone or use it for another purpose the adult will only be charged with a class one misdemeanor. And that can mean 45-days community service, counseling or a fine
The second time it happens, it could come with a penalty of up to 45-days in jail. But Morrison says the penalties are just drops in the bucket compared to a lifetime of grief and pain.

The experts say a trigger lock is the very least you should have on a gun--but today many are custom fit for exact weapons--so you have to try them out before purchasing. Also store your gun and the ammunition separately.