Vendors reflect after apparent accidental shooting at 311 Flea Market
SOPHIA, N.C. — On any given weekend, the 311 Flea Market is where strangers become neighbors. But early Sunday afternoon, one gunshot changed the atmosphere in an instant.
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office responded to the 311 Flea Market on U.S. Highway 311 in Sophia after receiving a gunshot and assault call.
Deputies said one person suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was later released from the hospital.
The person believed to have discharged the firearm was identified at the scene, according to the sheriff's office. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to investigate what happened.
The sheriff's office has described the shooting as appearing to be accidental.
Kathy Hartman was selling hot dogs nearby after the gun went off.
"He was looking at the gun maybe to purchase and wasn't thinking it might be loaded and it went off," Hartman said. "Went through the car front window, into the man's shoulder and out the back."
Just a few tables away was Kevin Fox.
"I was three tables from the guy that got shot," Fox said.
Fox said people nearby immediately tried to help after the gunfire.
"It was somebody that brought a rifle up to show somebody that had a spot here, to see if they wanted to buy it and they didn't check the weapon and it went off so, always, check your weapon and make sure it's clear," Fox said. "I heard he was walking around. I said, somebody might need check him and get him to the hospital cause he could be in shock."
The person who was shot is expected to recover.
Vendors said they are grateful the shooting was not more serious.
"It should be done in a different way. I mean, if you're gonna sell guns, make sure they're unloaded," Hartman said. "But if you're gonna look at a gun to buy, treat every gun like it is loaded. That way, you don't get shot or no one else does."
Despite what happened, vendors hope the apparent accident is not how people remember the beloved 311 Flea Market.
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office has not announced any charges. Investigators continue working to determine exactly what led up to the shooting.
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A popular Jacksonville flea market has announced plans to close its doors after the sprawling property was sold to a car dealership.
Shoppers have been left devastated after hearing the market of 40 years will shut down in the coming months.
Pecan Park Flea and Farmer’s Market in Jacksonville, Florida, will be closing down in September.
Vendors at the flea market received a notice on Saturday that the property was sold for $8.55 million and will be used for a car dealership instead, according to WJXT.
The market will remain open until September 27, which will be the final day for all shoppers and vendors.
Vendors will have until October 31 to remove all of their belongings from the flea market.
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