Omaha, Nebraska – A young child is recovering in the hospital after police say he accidentally shot himself with a gun that slipped out of his father’s pocket while the man was asleep. The incident has resulted in multiple neglect and child abuse charges and renewed concerns about unsecured firearms inside homes with children.
Police say the 5-year-old boy, who has not been publicly identified, suffered a gunshot wound to his arm on Sunday after handling a firearm that fell from the pocket of his father, 28-year-old Trae Colvin, as he reportedly napped in bed. An infant, just 7 months old, was also lying nearby during the shooting.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, Colvin had driven home with the 5-year-old and placed the gun inside the pocket of his sweatpants. After returning home, he lay down on the bed with both children and eventually fell asleep. Court documents state that the gun likely slipped out of his clothing while he slept.
Police say the boy somehow gained access to the firearm and discharged it, striking himself in the arm.
Omaha Police confirmed in a statement that officers responded to the accidental shooting and determined the child was injured after “handling an unsecured firearm.” Colvin was taken into custody at the scene.
Charges and Police Findings
Authorities arrested Trae Colvin on accusations of child abuse. Officers also cited 27-year-old Gabrielle Gutierrez, who is both the child’s mother and Colvin’s fiancée, for two counts of misdemeanor neglect.
Investigators say Colvin did not hear the gunshot but awoke to find the child “flailing” his arm and bleeding heavily. Instead of calling 911 immediately, officials say he placed the gun into a safe, left the home, drove to his mother’s house, and contacted the boy’s mother from there. He then picked her up from her workplace before taking the child to the emergency room.
Statements From Family Members
Gutierrez reportedly told investigators that Colvin routinely kept the firearm in his pocket or nearby and rarely stored it in the gun safe. She stated she had asked him multiple times to secure the weapon, especially with children in the home.
The boy’s mother also said she had previously seen her son handling the gun and had warned Colvin to keep it out of reach.
Gutierrez told local media she was heartbroken when she saw the injured child.
“When I first saw him, my heart shattered. I could tell he was hurting, but he was trying to be a brave boy.”
Doctors told the family that the bullet did not break any bones and left no fragments behind.
Child Protective Services Response
Following the investigation, Child Protective Services removed both children from the home. Officials say they are focused on the children’s safety while the case moves through the legal system.
The 5-year-old boy is expected to make a full recovery, according to the family.
Why Firearm Storage Matters
Unintentional shootings involving children remain a major concern nationwide. Safety advocates stress the importance of:
- Keeping guns unloaded and locked
- Using gun safes or lockboxes
- Storing ammunition separately
- Ensuring firearms are never left accessible to children
Police say incidents like this are preventable when firearms are properly secured.
Community Safety Reminder
Authorities continue urging families to review their firearm storage practices, especially in homes with young children. Even brief lapses in supervision can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Conclusion
The Nebraska case underscores the risks of unsecured firearms and the consequences families face when safety protocols are not followed. As the investigation continues, both children involved remain under protective care, while the injured child recovers from the frightening ordeal.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to child safety and firearm storage in the comments.
