Ashleigh Williamson describes chaos inside a Bonaire Kroger after a gun discharged, injuring four, including her and her daughter, police say.

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A routine trip to the grocery store turned chaotic for one Central Georgia family after an accidental gun discharge inside a Houston County Kroger left four people injured.

The Warner Robins Police Department says officers responded to the Kroger at 774 Highway 96 around 9:15 p.m. on April 15 after a gun fired inside the store. Investigators say a customer had the gun in their pocket, and it fired while they were trying to retrieve another item. 



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The round struck the floor and fragmented, sending debris into nearby shoppers, according to the police department.

Ashleigh Williamson said she was at self-checkout with her children when the situation suddenly unfolded.

“We were ringing everything up,” Williamson said.

Moments later, she said she heard a loud sound that changed everything inside the store.

“My ears started instantly ringing,” Williamson said.

At first, she said she did not realize what had happened.

“As I turned back my daughter says, ‘Mama,’ and we looked down at her, she’s just gushing blood,” Williamson said.

Williamson said both she and her daughter were struck by fragments from the discharge.

“It’s probably about six places on her leg, I’d say just in the back of her leg. I had some in the front of my thighs and on my knees,” Williamson said.

She said her focus immediately shifted to getting her daughter to safety.

“I picked her up and I just took off, all I could think was I had to get her blood stopped,” Williamson said.

According to police, four adults were injured. Three were treated at the scene and released. 

A fourth person was initially taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries but was later transported to Grady Hospital for surgery after the injury was determined to be more serious.

Williamson said people inside the store quickly stepped in to help as the situation unfolded.

“It could have went a real different way last night. As a mom, that’s a crazy thing to think that your child is between you and the bullet,” Williamson said. “We’re very blessed.”

She also said she does not believe the discharge was intentional.

“I absolutely do not believe it was intentional or whatsoever. She said she didn’t even have her hands in her pockets. That lady felt so bad,” Williamson said.

The investigation is ongoing.