5-year-old hit in road rage shooting, bullet found in sippy cup, North Carolina
A 5-year-old girl was shot during a suspected road rage incident in North Carolina, authorities say, prompting upgraded charges against a 20-year-old man now being held without bond.
The incident took place in Cary, just outside Raleigh, where police allege Charles Edward Stevenson Jr. fired into a Ford F-150 along US Highway 1 between the US 64 offramp and the Cary Parkway overpass.
The vehicle was occupied at the time.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Stevenson was initially charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied property, but prosecutors moved to upgrade the charges after reviewing new evidence.
District Attorney Lorrin Freeman confirmed the most serious charge now facing Stevenson is assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury.
“One of your charges was dismissed as being recharged in a different way,” Judge Eagles told Stevenson during a July 3 court appearance.
“At this time, you’re going to be held with no bond on this charge.”
He is due back in court on July 23.
Local reports revealed that the gunfire struck a young girl, identified only as Ema, who was riding in the back seat of the truck with her father.
The bullet pierced her leg and became lodged in her sippy cup.
“She’s just a bundle of joy, always smiling and playing and running around. Just an angel, honestly,” her aunt, Aubree Allison, told NBC affiliate WRAL.
“For something like this to happen to such a sweet and innocent child is heartbreaking.”
Ema has since undergone multiple surgeries and will begin physical therapy as she recovers.
The Cary Police Department has not released further details, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
