3-year-old killed in Milledgeville shooting after children access gun, police say

Police questioned the children’s father and recovered the firearm believed to have been involved. Charges are pending.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A 3-year-old is dead after police say three young children got access to a gun inside a Milledgeville home.

Officers were called to the 1100 block of Dunlap Road around 12:53 a.m. Saturday after someone reported that a child had been shot.

When Milledgeville police officers and a Baldwin County sheriff’s deputy arrived, they found the injured child. Officers decided there was no time to wait and rushed the child to Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin in a patrol vehicle.

The child later died from the injuries.

Police say children ages 3, 5, and 7 were inside the home when they gained access to the firearm. Investigators have not said who fired the gun or explained what happened immediately before the shooting.

Their father was also inside the home at the time. Officers took him to the Milledgeville Police Department for questioning.

Investigators searched the home after obtaining a warrant and recovered the gun they believe was involved.

Police Chief Dray Swicord said charges are pending while investigators continue interviewing people and reviewing evidence. Police have not announced who could be charged or what charges are being considered.

The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services also responded. The agency will investigate the children’s circumstances and the condition of the home.

The investigation remains active. Police said they will release additional information as it becomes available.