DETROIT – The father of an 8-year-old boy who was shot has been taken into police custody on suspicion of child neglect.
The shooting happened Tuesday, Oct. 3 at a home on Snowden Street. Police said someone found an unsecured gun inside the residence and the 8-year-old was shot in the head.
Update: Father charged in shooting of 8-year-old boy on Detroit’s west side
It’s still unclear who shot the boy. He remains in critical condition.
Police said four children -- between the ages of 1-8 -- and four adults were home at the time of the shooting. The adults were reportedly sleeping when the gun went off.
The Detroit Police Department confirmed Wednesday, Oct. 4, that the father had been taken into custody for second-degree child neglect. Several guns were recovered by police from the home, including the one they believe shot the boy.
Police said they have no explanation as to why it took 30 minutes for the adults to get the child help.
The Child Abuse Unit is handling the investigation.
The Detroit Police Department is urging people to lock up their weapons. Gun locks are free and available at any DPD Precinct and police said they will even bring them to residents.
Background: 8-year-old boy critically injured after being shot in the head on Detroit’s west side
