Mother Charged After 4-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Himself at Burger King

Nicole Johnson faces reckless conduct charge after child got gun from glovebox and shot himself in the hand

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A 4-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the hand while in the parking lot of a Burger King restaurant in Dacula, Georgia. The child's mother, Nicole Johnson, has been charged with reckless conduct in connection with the incident after the boy got the handgun from the glovebox of their vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of properly securing firearms, especially when children are present. Accidental shootings involving young children can have tragic consequences and raise concerns about gun safety and storage.

The details

According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, the 4-year-old boy shot himself in the hand while his mother, Nicole Johnson, was on the phone. The child had accessed the handgun from the glovebox of their vehicle in the Burger King parking lot. The boy was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and Johnson was arrested and charged with reckless conduct.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday in the parking lot of a Burger King restaurant off Braselton Highway in Dacula, Georgia.

The players

Nicole Johnson

The mother of the 4-year-old boy who was charged with reckless conduct in connection with the accidental shooting incident.

Gwinnett County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and charged Nicole Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“This incident serves as another serious reminder of the importance of properly securing firearms.”

— Chris Smith, Assistant Police Chief (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

Johnson was taken to Gwinnett County Jail and later released on bond. The judge will determine if she will face further legal consequences.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for gun owners, especially those with young children, to ensure firearms are safely stored and secured to prevent accidental shootings. It also raises broader questions about gun safety regulations and education to protect vulnerable populations.