Benson, N.C. — A long-time bail bondsman's son shot his father in the head late Monday night while he was trying to break up a fight, family members said.

Cody Barnes said a man, whose identity was not released, showed up at the home of his brother, Keith Barnes, at 704 W. Parrish Drive in Benson, late Monday and that the two men started arguing in the front yard.

Tony Barnes, 50, who lives next door, had walked over to try to stop the argument when he and the unidentified man started fighting, Cody Barnes said.

"And the boy got on top of my dad, and my brother came out with a shot gun, shot and hit my dad, pretty much," Cody Barnes said.

Tony Barnes was operated on Tuesday at WakeMed and was listed in critical condition Wednesday afternoon. Family members said he was not doing well.

Authorities said the dispute appeared to be a domestic dispute between two people who did not live at either address, but they declined to further explain, saying the case was still in the early stages of investigation.

It was not immediately clear whether any charges would be filed against Keith Barnes, 26.

Cody Barnes said the shooting was an accident and that his brother was trying to shoot the other man.

"He's hurt," Cody Barnes said of his brother. "He's pretty tore up about it."