NC Officer's Son Dies in Accidental Shooting

An Elon, NC, police officer's three-year-old son was killed Wednesday in an accidental shooting.

Chief Kelly Blackwelder was on the scene and confirmed that Officer Orlando Maynard’s child was hurt Wednesday, and that the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.

“I can’t fathom the heart break and the pain that they’re going through,” Chief Blackwelder told FOX8 . 

Around 7:35 a.m., Guilford County deputies, EMS and fire officials responded to a home in Whitsett when they were told a child was shot.

The child was taken to a local hospital and later declared dead.

“Orlando is an exemplary officer. He is serving the community well,” Chief Blackwelder said. “He’s a man of faith and is serving the Lord every day when he goes out and does his work. We’re hurting that they’re hurting, and it is felt by everybody in our agency right now.”

She told FOX8 that Elon PD is a small force, only 23 officers, and she was on the scene to provide “support and comfort” for her officer and his family.