A man who was shot twice in the left thigh told police he was unloading his gun while parked at a Longhorn Steakhouse in Dawson County.

The accident happened Monday afternoon at the restaurant on Ga. 400 in Dawsonville, according to a report obtained Thursday from the sheriff’s office.

In the report, 21-year-old Michael Gilbert and his mother, Diana Cleghorn, were in the car and Gilbert decided to unload his older-model, .32 semi-automatic pistol.

“He accidentally fired the weapon several times,” a deputy wrote in the report.

Two rounds hit Gilbert’s left thigh, while additional rounds struck the car door.

A preliminary investigation showed that Gilbert’s statements to police were consistent with the evidence and no charges have been filed, but the case is not closed.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Jessica Maria Motes remains in the Hall County jail on several charges including murder. (Henri Hollis/AJC)

Credit: Henri Hollis

Featured

University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez