LAWTON, OK — An 8-year-old boy, Zack Bannister, suffered a tragic gunshot wound to the head while out with his family looking at Christmas lights in Lawton, Oklahoma. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on December 10 in the 900 block of SW 35th Street, as reported by the child’s mother, Nichole Groshong, in a GoFundMe post.
Groshong, who was also delivering food for DoorDash at the time, had stopped and put her car in reverse to show her sons, Zack and Waylon, and her mother-in-law more Christmas lights when the shooting occurred. Following the gunshots, Groshong drove her injured son to the hospital as fast as possible, with her oldest son keeping Zack awake during the urgent drive – an action praised by medical professionals as potentially life-saving.
The Lawton police have since arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the shooting. This incident, occurring about 90 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, has shocked the local community, highlighting the unforeseen dangers that can occur even during festive family activities.
The family’s ordeal and their quick response in a moment of crisis have drawn attention and support, as evidenced by the GoFundMe campaign set up to assist with Zack’s medical expenses and recovery. The community awaits further details as the investigation into this disturbing event continues.