Warren man arraigned on unsecured firearm charge after son shoots himself in head

A Warren man was arraigned Monday on child abuse and unsecured firearm charges after his 8-year-old son shot himself in the head, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said.

Theo Nichols, 56, was arraigned in 37th District Court in Warren before Visiting Judge Denis LeDuc on charges of child abuse in the second degree, firearm safe storage violations and possession of firearm by a prohibited person, the Prosecutor’s Office's said in a release. Nichols also was charged as an habitual third offender.

He is accused of not properly storing his handgun, with which his son shot himself in the face Friday afternoon, prosecutors said.

Nichols' bond was set at $250,000; if convicted of the charges, he could spend more than 25 years in prison.

Officers were called to an apartment complex near Hoover and 10 Mile roads in Warren at about 3:25 p.m. Friday to investigate the shooting, police Commissioner Charles Rushton has said. The child was hospitalized in critical condition.

Rushton said the parents and two other children were in the home at the time of the incident.

"In the wake of this tragic incident, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with gun ownership," said Prosecutor Peter Lucido. "Our duty is to uphold the law and ensure accountability."

A state law that took effect Feb. 13 requires gun owners to keep firearms stored, unloaded and locked with a locking device, or stored in a locked box or container if it is known or reasonably should be known that a minor is or will be on the premises, according to Public Act 17 of 2023.

In 2020, firearms injuries became the No. 1 cause of death for children in the United States and Michigan, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries, Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported earlier this month.

Nichols' probable cause hearing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. April 30; His preliminary exam is set for 8:45 a.m. May 7 before District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce, the Prosecutor’s Office said.

jaimery@detroitnews.com