Mother Charged After 4-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Himself in Gwinnett County

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A 29-year-old mother has been charged with reckless conduct after her 4-year-old son accidentally shot himself earlier this week, according to Gwinnett County police.

The incident happened Wednesday, Feb. 18, in the 3000 block of Braselton Highway. Officers responded to the scene and spoke with Nicole Johnson, of Winder, who said she was eating breakfast inside her vehicle with her son when the gun discharged.

Investigators determined Johnson was on a phone call and did not realize her son had retrieved a handgun from the vehicle’s glove compartment. The child discharged the weapon, shooting himself in the hand.

The boy was taken to a nearby hospital. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening.

After an investigation, detectives arrested Johnson on a charge of reckless conduct. She was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail and later released on bond.

Gwinnett County police said the case highlights the importance of proper firearm storage, especially when children are present. Officials advise that guns should be kept unloaded, locked, and out of reach of children to prevent accidental injuries.