Father Bound Over to Macomb County Circuit Court After Son Shoots Himself with His Father’s Handgun

Macomb County Prosecutor's Office
Dawn Fraylick, Communication Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737 
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org

May 22, 2024 

Father Bound Over to Macomb County Circuit Court After Son Shoots Himself with His Father’s Handgun

Mount Clemens, Michigan - The father of an eight year old boy who shot himself with his father’s gun was bound over yesterday to the Macomb County Circuit Court.

It is alleged that on Friday, April 19, 2024, Theo Nichols, age 56,  did not have his handgun stored properly or locked when his son got ahold of the gun and shot himself.  Nichols was bound over on the following:

Count 1: Child Abuse 2nd Degree (Ten Year Felony)

Count 2: Felony Firearm (Two Year Mandatory Felony)

Count 3:  Firearms - Safe Storage Violations - Premises Under Individual's Control Minor Present and Inflicted Serious Impairment of a Body Function Upon Self or Another (Ten Year Felony)

Count 4: Felony Firearm (Two Year Mandatory Felony)

Count 5: Firearms - Safe Storage Violations - Premises Under Individual's Control Minor Present and Possessed or Exhibited (93-day misdemeanor)

Nichols is also being charged as a Habitual Officer Third Offender. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 1:30pm by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski.

"While we are grateful the son survived, this is a reminder of the critical importance of responsible firearm safety. We must hold the father accountable for his actions to ensure such tragedies are not repeated,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

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.