FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dawn Fraylick
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
April 22, 2024
Mount Clemens, Michigan - Today, a 56-year-old Warren father was arraigned in connection with his eight-year-old son shooting himself in the head with his father’s gun.
It is alleged that on Friday, April 19, 2024, Theo Nichols did not have his handgun stored properly when his son got ahold of the gun and shot himself in the face. Nichols was charged with Child Abuse in the Second Degree (ten 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 (ten 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). He is also being charged as a Habitual Officer Third Offender.
"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,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Nichols was arraigned by visiting Judge Denis LeDuc where the bond was set at $250,000 cash/surety only. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 8:45am and a Preliminary Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 8:45am by District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.