A Warren man was arraigned Monday in connection with his 8-year-old child shooting himself in the head with his father’s gun in their home, prosecutors said.
Theo Nichols, 56, is accused of leaving an unsecured handgun in his apartment at the Cove on 10 Apartments, in the area of 10 Mile and Hoover roads, on Friday. His son came across the weapon and used it to shoot himself in the face, according to Warren police.
“In the wake of this tragic incident, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with gun ownership,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said. “Our duty is to uphold the law and ensure accountability.”
As last check, Nichols’ son was reported to be in critical condition at Ascension St. John Hospital. But the little boy was responsive to pain stimuli, investigators said.
The Prosecutor’s Office charged Nichols with second-degree child abuse, violation of safe storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and a separate misdemeanor violation of safe storage of a firearm misdemeanor Firearm Safe Storage Violations . He is also being charged as a habitual third offender.
If Nichols is convicted on the most serious charge of child abuse, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
A state law that took effect Feb. 13 requires gun owners to keep stored or unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is known or reasonably should be known that a minor is, or is likely to be, present on the premises.
Both of the child’s parents were home at the time of the incident, authorities said.
Nichols was arraigned by visiting Judge Denis LeDuc in 37th District Court, where bond was set at $250,000 cash/surety only.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled 8:45 a.m. April 30, and a preliminary exam will be held at 8:45 a.m. May 7.