Arrest Made In Accidental Child Shooting

Tifton, GA (October 10, 2019) - On Thursday, October 10, 2019, the Tift County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Dewayne McClatchey, Jr., 22, in the accidental shooting of a one year old child, in Tift County. McClatchey, Jr. is charged with Reckless Conduct, Cruelty to Children in the 2nd Degree, Tampering with Evidence, and Giving False Statements.

In the late evening hours of October 8, 2019, Tift County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the 100 block of Apricot Street in Tifton, GA in reference to a report of a child being shot. Once deputies arrived, they discovered a child suffering from a gunshot wound.

The male child was flown by helicopter to a children's hospital in Tallahassee, FL where he is currently listed in serious condition.

Investigators learned that McClatchey, Jr. was present at the residence at the time of the shooting and was taken into custody near the incident location.

Anyone who has information pertaining to this ongoing investigation is encouraged to contact the Tift County Sheriff's Office at (229) 388-6020 or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at (229) 777-2080.