Waterboro Man Critically Injured After Toddler Accidentally Shoots Him With Unsecured Gun

The 20-year-old victim was attempting to take the loaded AK-47 style pistol from the child when it discharged, striking him in the abdomen.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 20-year-old Waterboro man was critically injured on Monday when a toddler accidentally fired an unsecured firearm inside a home on London Lane, authorities said. The toddler gained access to a loaded AK-47 style pistol that had been left on a bed, and the man was attempting to take the gun from the child when it discharged, striking him in the abdomen.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of properly securing firearms, especially in homes with young children present. Unsecured guns pose a serious risk to public safety and can lead to tragic accidents like this one.

The details

According to investigators, the toddler gained access to a loaded AK-47 style pistol that had been left on a bed. The 20-year-old man was attempting to take the gun from the child when it discharged, striking him in the abdomen. The victim was provided treatment by Charleston County Fire-Rescue before being taken to the Charleston-Area Trauma Center, where he is listed in serious condition.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Charleston County Fire-Rescue

The emergency medical service that provided initial treatment to the victim.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Department of Social Services was notified to assess the child's welfare, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the critical need for gun owners to store their firearms safely and securely, especially in homes with children. Proper gun storage and safety measures can help prevent such devastating incidents from occurring.