Father detained after child accidentally shot in SW Atlanta

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Atlanta police investigating after a child was accidentally shot in southwest Atlanta on July 14, 2026. (FOX 5)

ATLANTA - An accidental weapon discharge in a southwest Atlanta neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon left a young child hospitalized and a father in police custody.

What we know:

Atlanta police officers responded to the 2600 block of Springdale Road SW around 12:38 p.m. on Tuesday following an emergency report of a child being shot. 

When authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered that the child's father had already privately transported the victim to a local hospital. 

Medical personnel treated the child for a non-life-threatening injury to the hand, and officials noted the victim was alert, conscious and breathing.

A preliminary investigation indicates the shooting occurred after the father dropped a firearm out of his waistband. 

When the child attempted to pick the weapon up off the ground, the firearm discharged a single round and hit the child in the hand. 

Investigators immediately relocated to the hospital to interview the father, while other officers remained at the original home to question witnesses.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact age or identity of the child who was shot. 

It remains unclear if any other family members or witnesses were present inside the home when the firearm fell.

Police are currently holding the father in detention. 

While investigators have confirmed that arrest charges are pending for reckless conduct, the official booking paperwork has not been finalized as the investigation remains active.