NORFOLK, VA – A tragic incident unfolded in Norfolk on Friday when an 8-year-old girl accidentally shot herself with an unsecured firearm.
The incident took place around 8:00 p.m. in the 5700 block of Chesapeake Blvd. Responding officers found the young victim with a gunshot wound.
She was quickly taken to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that the child found the firearm in her uncle’s possession. As a result, 22-year-old Alvonte L. Lawton has been arrested and charged with felony child neglect. He is currently being held in the Norfolk City Jail without bond.