FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 2013

Statement about accidental shooting at Dixie Gun and Knife Show

RALEIGH — At about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, a patron of the Dixie Gun and Knife Show, held at the State Fairgrounds, approached the entrance to the Jim Graham Building to have his personal shotgun checked prior to entry. The firearm was in a case when brought into the building. As the patron attempted to open the case for inspection, the firearm accidentally discharged.

There were three victims: one female show patron, one male patron and one male retired Wake County Sherriff’s deputy working the show.

The victims are: Janet Hoover of Benson, 54-year-old female

                           Linwood Hester of Durham, 50-year-old male

                           Deputy Jake Alderman of Wake Forest, 54-year-old male

Alderman was treated at WakeMed North Healthplex. He has been released.

Hoover and Hester were transported and are being treated at WakeMed Hospital. Their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

This was an accidental discharge. At the request of State Fairgrounds officials, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. There is no information available on pending charges.

The owner of the discharged firearm is Gary Lynn Wilson of Wilmington, a 36-year-old male.

The Dixie Gun and Knife Show will continue as planned on Sunday, Jan. 20. There will be no private gun sales allowed, and personal guns will not be allowed on property. Gun sales will be allowed only by licensed dealers within the confines of the Jim Graham Building.

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