Child Injured in DeKalb County Apartment Shooting, Brother Arrested

Police say the shooting appears to be accidental, with the victim's 21-year-old brother taken into custody.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A child under 10 years old was rushed to the hospital after being shot at an apartment complex in DeKalb County, Georgia. Police say the victim's 21-year-old brother, Christopher Fields, was handling a gun when it accidentally discharged, striking the child. Fields was arrested and is facing forthcoming charges.

Why it matters

Gun safety and responsible firearm storage are major public health concerns, especially when children are involved. This incident highlights the need for greater education and access to gun safes to prevent accidental shootings in the home.

The details

According to police, officers responded to the 600 block of Abberley Way around 2:45 a.m. on Monday after receiving reports of a child being shot. When they arrived, they found the injured child in one of the apartment units. The victim, described as younger than 10 years old, was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive. Investigators believe Fields was trying to put his gun away when it accidentally fired, striking the child in the next room.

  • The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Christopher Fields

The 21-year-old brother of the child victim, who was arrested and is facing charges related to the accidental shooting.

DeKalb County Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting and is investigating the incident.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Christopher Fields' bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with children. The DeKalb County Police Department's offer of free gun safes is a commendable step towards improving firearm safety and preventing future accidental shootings.