WARREN (WWJ) — A Warren man has been charged under Michigan’s new safe storage law after his 8-year-old son shot himself in the face with an unsecured gun last week.
Theo Nichols, 56, was arraigned Monday on four charges, including two firearm safe storage violations and child abuse.
The charges stem from what Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido described as a “tragic incident” at their apartment near Hoover and 10 Mile on Friday, April 19.
Authorities said last Friday the 8-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital after a 911 call came in shortly before 3:30 p.m. reporting a shooting at the Cove on 10 Apartment Complex.
While the child was being transported to the ER by paramedics, Warren Police officers and other law enforcement agencies assisted by blocking intersections along the way to get him there as quickly as possible, police said.
Officials have not released many details about the incident itself, but investigators believe the child somehow got ahold of the unsecured gun and pulled the trigger.
The child remained in critical condition on Monday.
Nichols was charged with:
• Second-degree child abuse (10-year felony)
• Firearm Safe Storage Violation - Premises Under Individual’s Control, Minor Present and Inflicted Serious Impairment of a Body Function Upon Self or Another (10-year felony)
• Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person (five-year felony)
• Firearm Safe Storage Violations - Premises Under Individual’s Control - Minor Present and Possessed or Exhibited (93-day misdemeanor).
Nichols is also being charged as a Habitual Officer Third Offender, according to the prosecutor’s office. His bond was set at $250,000 cash/surety only and his next court date was scheduled for April 30.
"In the wake of this tragic incident, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with gun ownership. Our duty is to uphold the law and ensure accountability,” Lucido said, per a press release.
Back in February, the safe storage law was one of four new gun reform laws to go on Michigan’s books.
The safe storage law requires people to keep any firearms being stored or left unattended on a premises unloaded and either locked with a trigger-locking mechanism or stored in a locked storage container.
More information on Michigan’s new gun laws can be found on the state’s website.