Two shoppers wounded when bullet ricochets at Big Lots store, Georgia cops say

Two shoppers were wounded in the checkout line when a bullet fired by accident hit one person, then ricocheted into another, according to investigators in Georgia.

It happened around 1:20 p.m. Monday, June 23, at the Big Lots store on U.S. Highway 278 in Covington, and the gun’s owner is among the wounded, the Covington Police Department said in a news release.

“Upon arrival, officers determined two customers — who are related — were at the checkout counter when one of them accidentally dropped their purse,” police said.

“After retrieving and placing it on the counter, she picked it up again after completing her transaction. At that moment, a firearm inside the purse fell to the floor and discharged upon impact.”

The gun owner was the first to be struck by the bullet, which hit her in the ankle. It then ricocheted, “striking her relative who was standing nearby,” police said.

Details of where the second person was struck were not released.

“Both individuals sustained non-life threatening injuries and received immediate medical attention,” police said. “No other customers or store employees were injured.”

Identities of the two people were not released.

The Newton County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and determined charges were not warranted, officials said.

“The Covington Police Department reminds the public that incidents like this serve as serious reminders of the importance of proper firearm storage and handling — particularly when carried in public spaces,” police said.

Covington is about a 35-mile drive southeast from Atlanta.

This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Two shoppers wounded when bullet ricochets at Big Lots store, Georgia cops say."