Police are investigating an incident in suburban Detroit where a 2-year-old toddler accidentally shot himself while in the care of a babysitter who allegedly left guns unsecured in her home.
The incident occurred at a residence in the 11000 block of Edgemont Street around 6 p.m. on Saturday. The toddler managed to access a firearm and accidentally shoot himself in the stomach.
Tammy Allison, a neighbor, recounted the terrifying scene to WXYZ Detroit: “We heard a bunch of screaming, I was the first one out, I came running, watched them carry out a little 2-year-old in a towel covered in blood.”
The toddler was rushed to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. “Critical but surprisingly good is what I’ve been told so far, but I don’t know that the surgeon at children’s has actually gotten to work yet,” said Warren Police Sgt. Jim Twardesky.
The child was under the care of a 42-year-old babysitter, who reportedly had two handguns, according to authorities. A statement from Warren police indicated that the firearms were believed to have been left unsecured in an area accessible to the child.
“Investigators will be examining the details surrounding the safe and secure handling of the gun as part of their investigation,” police stated. “As of this point in the investigation, it does not appear that more serious foul play was involved.”
Sgt. Twardesky emphasized the preventable nature of the incident, stating, “This is about negligence and laziness… basic adult decisions to secure a firearm could have prevented this.”
The babysitter held a valid license to carry a firearm. Authorities are assessing whether charges will be filed for failing to secure guns when a minor is present, a requirement under Michigan’s child storage regulations. The police continue to gather evidence and will determine if charges will be filed early next week.
Source: themirror.com
