Two Incidents in One Week, Two Families Face Legal Consequences

GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia — For just about $20 for a gun lock box, many tragedies could be prevented. That's the message law enforcement in the metro Atlanta area are sending after two separate incidents this week, both involving children under 5 and unsafely stored firearms.

In Sandy Springs, police reported a 2-year-old was shot. The father is currently facing criminal charges.

In Gwinnett County, officials confirmed a 4-year-old accidentally shot themselves in the hand. The mother is also being prosecuted in connection with improper firearm storage.

Investigators noted that a common thread in both incidents was that firearms were not locked or properly stored in homes with young children.

"Always Treat Every Gun As If It Were Loaded" — Police Remind Gun Owners

Corporal Ryan Winderweedle, spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Police Department, emphasized that the responsibility lies with the adults in the household.

"No family, especially parents, wants to experience the tragedy of their child being shot just because they were playing with a gun," he said. "Please use a safe or a lock box that can be securely locked, keeping firearms away from young children."

He also reiterated the basic rule for checking a firearm: remove the magazine, pull back the slide to ensure no round is in the chamber, completely eliminating the possibility of an unintentional discharge.

Matthew Hagwood, manager at Venture Outdoors, believes many people underestimate a child's curiosity: "One of the five safety rules is to always treat every gun as if it were loaded, even when you believe it's empty. Never think a child can't reach it."

$20 Gun Lock Box — Simple Yet Effective Protection

Officials stated that gun lock boxes start from about $20, with options ranging from traditional key locks to biometric fingerprint recognition systems. Additionally, gun owners should install specialized safes in vehicles, placed in the center console or under the seat to prevent unauthorized access.

Recommendations from Authorities for Parents

Authorities issued specific recommendations for families who own firearms:

  • Always lock firearms when not in use.
  • Separate firearms and ammunition, storing them in two different locations.
  • Do not leave firearms within reach or sight of children.
  • Educate children early about the risks and dangers of firearms.
  • Refer to resources from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding the Youth Handgun Safety Act at atf.gov.

Police emphasize: gun safety is not just a personal choice, but a responsibility to protect the lives of young children in every family.