Sandy Springs toddler finds gun under bed, shoots self

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A toddler is recovering after Sandy Springs police said he found a loaded gun and shot himself.

Police told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik it happened Monday afternoon at a home on Village Creek Trace off Peachtree Dunwoody Road.

“The father was fixing a toy and his girlfriend was on a laptop,” said Sandy Springs police Capt. Steve Rose.  “They were in bed, they hear a sound and go into another room where the child had shot himself with a .380 pistol.”

Rose said the handgun was tucked under a bed and not properly secured.  He said the injury was to the boy’s thumb and the child’s father rushed him to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where a social worker informed police of the incident.

“A 3-year-old can get into places in a home that you and I can’t, so that has to be taken into consideration,” Rose said.

Officers cited Shaunell Robinson, 28, with reckless conduct for failing to secure the weapon in the home.  Robinson told Petchenik by phone Tuesday the boy was doing well and they were taking him to a hand specialist to be checked out.  Robinson said she couldn’t speak about the incident until she had a chance to contact an attorney.

Neighbors in the quiet, gated community said they were surprised to see squad cars and police tape surrounding the home.

“I’m shocked,” said Sheila Hildebrandt.  “This is a quiet neighborhood.”

Neighbor John Darrington said the shooting should be a reminder for all parents.

“(You) have to be very careful if you have weapons in the house and you got kids,” he said.

WSBTV