A late-night McDonald's run in Henderson ended in a hospital visit Friday after police say a 20-year-old man accidentally shot himself while sitting in the drive-thru line. Officers responded to a report of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and found the man with a single shot to his left thigh, then took him to a local medical facility for treatment. Authorities later identified him as Wyatt Cole Holbrook of Bunn, North Carolina.
Police say gun went off while he handled it in the car
According to Henderson police, the shot was fired when the gun went off as Holbrook was handling it inside his vehicle. Officers said evidence at the scene suggested he may have been drinking before the incident. Investigators are treating the case as an accidental shooting and say the investigation remains open while they collect evidence and interview witnesses. The Henderson Police Department's account was reported by CBS17.
Accidental shootings keep safety officials on alert
Unintentional shootings like this are not unique to Henderson. Earlier this month, WRAL reported a separate case in Clayton in which a gun went off while someone was clearing it inside a vehicle. Public health officials in North Carolina point to safe storage and careful handling as the front line of prevention, and the N.C. Injury and Violence Prevention Branch advises that firearms be kept unloaded and locked when not in use. Local safety campaigns also emphasize that responsible storage can reduce accidental injuries along with other firearm-related harms.
What investigators are looking at next
Henderson police say their work on the case is ongoing, with potential criminal charges pending while they continue to gather statements and other evidence. Prosecutors would make the final call on any charges after reviewing the full investigative file and police reports. Officials have not yet released more specific information about the type of firearm involved or the exact location details at the restaurant.
As of publication, this account is based on the Henderson Police Department statement carried by CBS17. We did not find a separate public press release from Henderson police or additional local coverage at the time this story was written. This report will be updated if authorities release more information or if prosecutors announce formal charges.
