A toddler pulled a loaded handgun from his backpack at a daycare in southeast Michigan earlier this week and authorities said the child’s parents will face charges.
No one was injured in Monday’s incident when the boy held a gun in a holster at Childrens World Early Learning Center in Canton. Police said one of the child’s parents was taken into custody.
Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy praised a staff member for their quick and safe intervention. Bialy said one of the child’s parents is a police officer from a neighboring jurisdiction. He said the handgun found at the daycare was not a service weapon.
“I don’t think there was any ill intent by truly anyone involved,” Bialy said at a news conference Monday. “I think it really falls back on safe security of a firearm, making sure that we know where our firearms are located, that they are not accessible to anyone.”
Bialy said he watched video of the child taking the gun out of a backpack and described it as “shocking.” He said it was hard for him to watch even though he knew the outcome.
“I’m comforted by the fact that nobody was injured,” Bialy told reporters.
Police in Canton Township said Wednesday the parents will be charged in the case and were expected to make an initial court appearance Thursday. The Wayne County prosecutor’s office declined to offer details on the charges or additional comment, saying it would wait until a judge signs off on the charges.
Under Michigan law, firearms must be locked up at home when children are present. The penalties depend on the facts of each case, but they are greatly enhanced if a gun is fired and someone is wounded or killed.
The daycare center has disenrolled the family, NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit reported.
In a statement to NBC News, Childrens World Early Learning Center said it would start searching backpacks entering the building.
“We remain committed to ensuring our center is a safe haven for every child and family we serve,” it said.