Police: Detroit Father Shoots 15-Year-Old Daughter While Putting Rifle Away

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit police are investigating after a 15-year-old girl was shot by her father while he was apparently attempting to put a rifle away.

The incident happened around 10:45 p.m. Friday at a home on Glastonbury Avenue, in a west side neighborhood near the I-96 interchange with the Southfield Freeway.

The girl's father told police he retrieved his rifle for protection after hearing shots fired outside of his home. Later, while attempting to put the gun away, the father says the weapon accidentally discharged, striking his teenage daughter in the thigh, according to police.

The girl was taken to DMC Sinai Grace Hospital and was expected to undergo surgery due to a large exit wound. She's expected to be recover.

Police say alcohol may have been a factor in the incident, which remains under investigation.

The girl's father was released from prison last November, according to reports. His lengthy criminal record includes five previous prison sentences for charges ranging from operating a chop shop to assault.

Despite being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, police say the father was not taken into custody.