DETROIT – After a 3-year-old boy shot himself with an unsecured firearm, the Detroit Police Department spent Saturday, Sept. 7, giving away gun locks and educating the community about gun safety.
It was part of the “Make Them Safe, Keep Them Safe” event in Rouge Park.
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The event came after a 3-year-old boy was critically injured on the city’s east side Friday, Sept 6, after he reportedly accidentally shot himself in the face with his mother’s gun.
Detroit Police Chief James White said they’re taking the incident very seriously and will get Child Protective Services involved.
“He is going to make a full recovery, physically,” White said. “The emotional and mental scars will be with him for a lifetime.”
The mother reportedly told police she had just returned home from work, placed the gun on the dresser and within minutes, the boy found it and shot himself.
White said there was a lock box in the home, but the gun was not stored there at the time.
“Enough is enough. We’ve all got to do a better job of protecting our kids,” White said. “If you’re going to have a weapon you’re going to have to be responsible and it’s not going to be tolerated.”
In an effort to prevent another senseless shooting, Detroit police spent the day at Rouge Park giving away free gun locks.
“I am tired of watching the news and seeing people not be responsible,” said Sgt. William Tatum.
In addition to gun locks, free food and other resources, Make Them Safe, Keep Them Safe Detroit also worked to educate the community about gun safety.
“I think it’s about bringing awareness and making sure people know it’s essential to keep your weapons locked up,” said Curshawn Drake. “If not for yourself, for the safety of your children.”
For those who were unable to make it to Saturday’s event, gun locks are available for free from most law enforcement offices.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has resources for families who want to learn more about gun safety. They can be found here.
