MARTINSVILLE, VA
On the evening of June 28, at approximately 10:52 pm, the Martinsville/Henry County Communication Center received an urgent call reporting a gunshot wound at 101 Preston Scales Rd., Martinsville, VA.
Responding deputies from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office found a nine-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound to her right leg just above her ankle.
Immediate first aid was administered until members of the Fieldale-Collinsville Rescue Unit arrived.
The girl was subsequently airlifted to a nearby medical facility in Virginia where she received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation at the residence, deputies determined that Kevon Hairston, the victim's brother, had left a loaded firearm unsecured on a bed.
According to Mr. Hairston, another child accidentally discharged the firearm by hitting its trigger.
Consequently, Kevon Smith Hairston, aged 19 and residing at 101 Preston Scales Rd., Martinsville, VA 24112, was charged with felony child endangerment under 18.2-371.1 and reckless handling of a firearm under 18.2-56.1.
In addition to these charges, Mr. Smith was found to have two outstanding warrants for his arrest: one from Martinsville City for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and another for Contempt of Court from Henry County.
Currently, he is detained at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information regarding this incident to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).
The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2,500 based on the relevance and value of provided information related to the crime.