Toddler finds loaded handgun inside backpack at Michigan daycare center

A toddler pulled a loaded, holstered handgun from a backpack at a daycare in Canton, Michigan, prompting staff to secure the weapon and police to respond. No one was injured, and authorities said there was no ongoing threat. Police arrested one of the child’s parents; reports identify a parent as an officer with a neighboring department, but accounts differ on whether that parent was arrested. It remains unclear how the firearm got into the backpack or how the child accessed it. The investigation is ongoing, and the case is expected to be referred to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Police Chief Joseph Bialy said surveillance video showed the toddler pulling the holstered handgun from the backpack; he praised staff for quickly intervening and said the daycare had not known the gun was inside.
The daycare said the family was no longer enrolled at the center, citing its obligation to maintain the safety and security of children and staff.
Chief Bialy said he understood the handgun was not a service weapon, though he could not confirm that; a report also said the gun belonged to the police-officer parent, while the other parent remained under investigation.
Police said the toddler did not fire the gun, and authorities withheld the arrested person’s name while any charges were pending.
Publishers
14
Articles
54
Reach
68