North Carolina Girl, 5, Shot Through the Leg — Bullet Lodged in Her Sippy Cup

NORTH CAROLINA — In a horrifying incident that has shaken residents across state lines, a 5-year-old girl named Ema was shot during a road rage confrontation along US Route 1 near Raleigh. The bullet not only struck her leg — it lodged in her sippy cup.

The terrifying encounter occurred just before 8 p.m. on Monday. According to police and local news outlet WRAL, 20-year-old Charles Edward Stevenson Jr. allegedly fired a single shot into a Ford F150 after a verbal exchange with the truck’s driver — Ema’s father. Tragically, the bullet pierced through the vehicle and struck the little girl.

What Happened on the Highway

Ema’s father reported that Stevenson had been driving erratically and throwing objects out of his window — one of which struck the family’s truck. In response, the father rolled down his window and shouted at the young man. That’s when Stevenson allegedly fired the gun.

The shot was intended for the father, but the bullet tore through the passenger side and into Ema’s right leg, ultimately embedding itself in her sippy cup.

“Your stomach just drops all the way down,” said Aubree Allison, the girl’s aunt, who spoke to WRAL. “It’s nothing you ever hope happens in your own life.”

Emergency Surgery and Recovery

Ema was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent emergency surgery. She has since had multiple operations to treat the injuries. Her family revealed that a portion of her leg is now missing as a result of the gunshot wound.

Despite the trauma, doctors say her long-term prognosis is optimistic. Rehabilitation is expected to take four to six months, according to reporting from The News & Observer.

Charges and Investigation

Charles Edward Stevenson Jr. has been arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses, including:

• Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill

• Discharging a firearm into occupied property

The Cary Police Department confirmed the charges and continues to investigate the road rage incident. Stevenson remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.

Wider Impact and Public Reaction

The brutal randomness of the attack — and the fact that the bullet ended up in a child’s drinking cup — has sparked outrage across social media. Parents, local leaders, and even national commentators are expressing frustration over rising road rage incidents and the presence of firearms during traffic disputes.

Ema’s story has become a tragic reminder of how quickly everyday encounters on the road can turn into life-altering events.

Have you ever experienced a dangerous or threatening situation on the road? Share your story or thoughts in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com — where we bring real stories from real families to the forefront of community news.