Nebraska Father Arrested After 5-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Himself With Gun That Fell Out of Dad’s Pocket While He Slept

OMAHA, NEBRASKA — A 5-year-old boy is recovering after police say he accidentally shot himself with an unsecured handgun that slipped out of his father’s pocket while the man slept with two young children beside him. The boy’s father, 28-year-old Trae Colvin, is now being held on child abuse charges, according to Douglas County corrections records.

The shooting occurred Sunday after Colvin returned home with the 5-year-old and reportedly placed the gun in the pocket of his sweatpants. According to prosecutors, he then fell asleep on the bed next to the boy and a 7-month-old infant.

Gun Fell From Dad’s Pocket While He Slept, Police Say

Investigators say Colvin believes the firearm fell out while he slept. Omaha police said the child was injured after handling an “unsecured firearm.”

Colvin later told investigators he did not hear the gunshot but awoke to see his son “flailing” his arm as blood poured out. He allegedly placed the gun into the safe before leaving the home and driving to his mother’s residence, where he called the child’s mother to tell her what happened.

Police say Colvin then picked the boy’s mother up from work and drove the injured child to the emergency room.

Mother and Father’s Fiancée Cited for Neglect

In addition to Colvin’s arrest, police cited his fiancée, 27-year-old Gabrielle Gutierrez, for two counts of misdemeanor neglect. According to WOWT, Gutierrez told police that Colvin constantly kept the gun in his pocket or nearby and rarely secured it in the gun safe — despite her repeated requests.

The boy’s mother also told investigators she knew her son had previously handled the gun and said she had urged Colvin to keep it away from the children.

5-Year-Old Expected to Make Full Recovery

Gutierrez told Omaha’s ABC affiliate KETV that the bullet did not break any bones or leave fragments behind. “When I first saw him, my heart shattered,” she said. “I could tell he was hurting, but he was trying to be a brave boy.”

Child Protective Services has since removed both children from the home as the investigation continues.

Authorities say the 5-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.

What’s your reaction to this troubling case involving unsecured firearms and child safety? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.