Man arrested for child abuse after self-inflicted shot to head

Richard Broxton, 27, was charged in the case that occurred in May.

According to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Dep. Bobby Sims and Dep. Christian Smith responded to a Smokey Lane home after a 911 hang up call.

Broxton was quick to say children had been playing with the phone, but the deputies advised a small child’s voice was not the one heard by dispatchers.

Upon further questioning of the home’s occupants, it was learned Broxton and the girl’s mother had been arguing. He reportedly placed a .22 pistol on the dining room table, then stated he should just kill himself. The woman heard a gunshot, then turned to see him on the floor. Broxton stood up and treated his head wound. Fearful that Broxton would harm himself or someone, the child took the gun to her room and hid it.

Authorities inspected his injuries and found the bullet had just grazed his head. He was transported to TMH.