3-year-old Warren boy seriously injured in accidental shooting at home, police say
A 3-year-old Michigan boy is in the hospital, getting treatment for serious injuries in the aftermath of an accidental shooting involving an unsecured handgun.
"This is a heartbreaking incident that underscores the critical importance of secure firearm storage," said Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins.
The Warren Police Department, which is investigating the incident, said it learned of the circumstances after a call on Tuesday night from Henry Ford Warren Hospital. Medical teams were treating the boy for a gunshot wound to his hand. The child was accompanied by his mother.
Police said the child had found an unsecured, semi-automatic handgun at the family's home at The Cove Apartments in Warren, and fired a single round that struck his hand.
"There is no reason not to store a weapon safely," said Jonathan Gold, ambassador for Gifford's Gun Owners for Safety. "You'll still be able to access that weapon to defend yourself. But in the meantime, you have to defend your family and the people who come into your home."
No other injuries were reported.
Gold says incidents like Tuesday night are completely preventable and affordable, with some gun safes costing the same amount as two boxes of ammo.
"Somebody decided that that child's safety wasn't worth $50," Gold said. "Whoever it was decided that their quick access to a firearm was more important than that child's safety."
Investigators served a search warrant at the apartment, recovering the firearm and other evidence.
Warren police said they will present their investigation to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office for review and determination of potential charges. The implications could include a violation of Michigan's Safe Storage Law, which passed in 2023, police said.
"While we are relieved the child is in stable condition, this tragedy was entirely preventable. We urge every gun owner to use gun locks and safes to ensure that weapons never fall into the hands of a child. We will continue to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure accountability and to protect the safety of our community's children," Hawkins said.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido will determine who to hold responsible for potential violation of Michigan safe storage laws.
"Everybody who sees this gun, knows about this gun, knows about it being unsecured, is always going to be questioned and a suspect in the case," Lucido said.
Lucido says any charges in this case will likely result in a felony, but those penalties can vary based on what else investigators find.
An unsecured gun fired by a minor that causes an injury can come with a five-year sentence and a $5,000 fine for the person responsible.
If the minor shoots themselves or someone else, causing serious injuries, penalties can max out at 10 years in prison and a $7,500 fine.
If it results in death, one could face 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
