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Jones County toddler in critical condition after being shot in head, man charged with reckless conduct

Two children were playing with a pistol when the 2-year-old was shot in the head

GRAY, Ga. — UPDATE: Capt. Jimmy Black with the Jones County Sheriff's Office advises the best way to make sure guns don't get in the wrong hands is to put them away altogether.

"If you have a weapon, have a gun laying around the house, for God's sake, put it up." 

He says putting it somewhere out of reach or somewhere locked are best, especially if there are young children in the home.

"Secure it in some manner, if it's in the top of the closet, the top of the refrigerator, the gun safe, a gun lock."

The Sheriff's Office says they are still investigating whether Darius Johnson is linked to the burglary where the gun was stolen from.

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A Jones County 2-year-old is fighting for his life after being shot in the head Wednesday.

According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, a pistol was left out in a home in an area where children could access it.

A 5-year-old and 2-year-old began playing with the gun, and it discharged hitting the 2-year-old in the head.

The sheriff’s office says the toddler is in critical condition.

Capt. Jimmy Black with the sheriff's office says they've arrested the toddler's uncle, 18-year-old Darius Johnson, and charged him with reckless conduct and theft by receiving stolen property since the pistol was found to be stolen in a burglary a few months ago.

The shooting is still under investigation and Sheriff Butch Reece says, “Please be responsible if you are going to have a weapon in your home. This was a tragic accident that should have never happened.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.

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