A family is shaken up, after a grandfather accidentally shoots his three-year-old granddaughter.
Why He Was Shooting
Standing outside his home in West Columbia, Texas Gary Van Ness said he was aiming his shotgun at a homeless cat, one of many that had recently been searching his neighborhood for food and shelter, when he fired a single shot that ran into the woods.
What He Didn’t See
The sound of his three-year-old granddaughter screaming in pain is one Van Ness says he’ll never forget, or forgive himself for. Unknown to him until just seconds after, was that his granddaughter and her father were standing directly in his bullet’s path.
Stitches and A Belt
Released with a few stitches and a large band aid across her knee – one she now playfully tugs at – in the days since she’s been seen as active as ever around their home.
Mr Van Ness adds Brianna having just as much spunk as well.
‘When I went back yesterday [I hear], “I’m gonna spank your butt pawpaw.’ he laughs of his granddaughter’s threat. ‘I said OK, I’ll even furnish the belt.’
No charges against Mr Van Ness are expected with the incident considered an accident.
Fox reports child protective services working with the family to help make the home safer and the grandfather vowing to use traps to catch the cats in the future rather than shooting them.
Let’s recap.. Mr Van Ness was shooting a stray cat looking food and shot his three-year-old granddaughter instead… and when she mentioned he should be spanked, he openly said he would “get the belt,”.. Perhaps someone should check into what’s going on in that family!
