One would have to look up the criminal definition of a firearm in NC and projectile - I know in WV we used to come across this with pellet guns, bows/arrows, and sling shots — didn’t matter if it was fired by gunpowder or by another method - a projectile was launched causing damage either to a person or property...I would say the same is being applied here. Had the BB struck the passenger causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, thus resulting in a collision, be property (vehicle, light pole, house) or injuring a person or a fatality - then I can see why they are going after this little 7 r old. What it doesn’t say is whether they have been complaints logged against this kid in the past - and the DPS is pursuing it because the prosecutor says to!
Kid was shooting in the direction of the road, and a house. Even if there was a "legitimate" target involved, there should be a way to catch / smother any misses or ricochets. So, IMO, and from the limited info in this article, kid wasn't being safe.
What was the Mom thinking? When WBill Jr. is shooting, I don't let him out of my sight, even "just for a second". Sure, he'd likely be fine, but mistakes happen.
Finally, the gun needs to be taken away from the kid, IMO, for reasons #1 and #2. If I did something like this at his age, I'd have lost the gun (likely for good) and wouldn't be able to sit down for a week, to boot.
But a felony charge? Methinks that the prosecutor is looking to see his name in the paper.