Toddler brings loaded gun to Michigan daycare, one parent arrested
A toddler arrived at a Canton Township daycare with a loaded firearm in their backpack. One parent has been arrested; the other, a police officer, faces an internal inquiry.
Loaded firearm found in child's backpack at Canton Township daycare
A toddler was discovered carrying a loaded firearm at Children's World Early Learning Center in Canton Township, Michigan, on Monday morning, according to clickondetroit.com. Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy confirmed that one parent has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Officers from the Canton Police Department responded to the facility after staff reported that a toddler had been found in possession of the weapon. The firearm was holstered inside the child's backpack, according to a message the school sent to families.
When the child removed the gun, a teacher stepped in and secured it. Bialy credited the staff's response with preventing serious harm.
"The protocols that they had in place, the fact that they had an instructor in the room that was able to safely remove the firearm from this toddler, I do believe kept everybody safe and avoided a tragedy," Bialy said.
The child's other parent is a police officer in a neighbouring jurisdiction. That officer's department is conducting its own internal investigation, Bialy said.
The Canton Police Department's Detective Bureau is leading the investigation, which will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review upon completion.
Children's World Early Learning Center said in a statement that the incident was "unfortunate" and that no one was hurt. The center said all safety protocols were followed and that the family involved has been disenrolled.
"We pride ourselves on being one of the safest centers in the Canton area. It is our priority," management said. "Although this incident was out of our control, we are very proud of our staff and especially the teacher who responded so quickly."
The center said it has since introduced additional safety measures, including searching children's bags upon arrival.
Bialy stressed the legal obligations firearm owners have when children are present. "We have to understand where our firearms are, and we have a duty to make sure that we keep them secure," he said. "The law is very clear. If a child is present or you anticipate a child being present, you have to take those precautions."
Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Department directly.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)