Dad can't contact child after shooting

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - The father of the four-year-old boy who was accidentally shot Feb. 9 can have no contact with the child or the boy's mother, a judge ruled Thursday.

Nicholas Pierce, 26, was previously charged with felony child neglect in connection with the shooting.

When police arrived to Pierce's Buckhorn Place home, the child was taken to Norfolk General Hospital where he was immediately rushed into surgery. Police say the child was shot in the hip with a large-caliber gun. Investigators have not said who pulled the trigger .

During Thursday's hearing, Pierce was also granted a secured bond of $25,000. The judge ruled that Pierce must also undergo psychological counseling and treatment at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.

The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney also said Pierce has to give up his concealed weapons permit immediately and abstain from handling weapons.

This case remains under investigation by the Department's Homicide Unit with Detective Sean Coerse as the lead investigator.