CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — The parents of a toddler who brought a loaded pistol to a daycare in Michigan will face charges, authorities said Wednesday.
Police in Canton Township stated that the parents were scheduled for an initial court appearance on Thursday. The Wayne County prosecutor's office declined to provide details, indicating they would await judicial approval of the charges.
The incident occurred Monday at Childrens World Early Learning Center when the child produced the gun, which was in a holster, from their backpack. No injuries were reported, and a staff member's quick action was credited by police with ensuring safety.
Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy previously mentioned that one of the child's parents is a police officer in the Detroit area, but clarified that the weapon was not identified as a service firearm. Bialy described a video of the child handling the gun as "shocking" but expressed relief that no one was harmed.
Michigan law mandates that firearms be secured when children are present. Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances, with significantly increased consequences if a gun is discharged and results in injury or death.
In a separate case, a Newaygo County man received a prison sentence of over three years after a child fatally shot another child with a shotgun that had been accessed by the youngster.