GROVETOWN, Ga. - Grovetown Police say a 4-year-old child was injured in a shooting on the 5000 block of Sterlington Drive Monday. 

Grovetown Police said they were notified about the incident after somebody flagged down a Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy on Horizon South Parkway near Gateway Boulevard. Police say the vehicle, driven by two adults, was trying to drive the child to the hospital. 

Upon investigation, GPD says 24-year-old Davion Daniels, the child's father, placed a loaded 9mm Glock handgun on the floor while he went downstairs to take a phone call. He told police a short time later he heard a gunshot, ran upstairs and found his child shot in the head. 

Officials say the gun had been illegally changed to fully automatic. As a result, Daniels was charged with possession of a machine gun and 2nd-degree cruelty to children. 

Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens says additional charges are anticipated fending further forensic exams and consultation with the District Attorney's office. 

Chief Kitchens says the child is out of surgery but remains in extremely critical condition. Daniels is currently being held at the Columbia County Detention Center. 

Copyright 2023 WFXG. All rights reserved.