DETROIT – A 4-year-old boy is recovering after accidentally shooting himself with a firearm he found under a pillow in his home.
Detroit police said they received calls to the home on Russell Street on the city’s northeast side near 7 Mile Road and I-75 just before 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Deputy Chief Arnold Williams said the child’s father was sleeping on the couch when the little boy got ahold of the gun, shooting himself in the hand.
“The father said he had his firearm under his pillow. Somehow, the child got a hold of the firearm and ended up shooting himself in the right hand,” said Deputy Chief Williams.
The injured boy was taken to an area hospital, where police say he is thankfully stable.
Deputy Chief Williams and Detroit Police, once again, reiterated the dangers of leaving firearms unsecured, especially in homes with children:
“One of the biggest issues we have is with parents who have firearms or other family members who may have firearms inside a home, and those firearms not being secured,” he said. “Children think those weapons may be toys, and they always have some curiosity. So, we tell every parent, not only should you make sure your weapon is secure, locked, and placed in a position where your child can’t get to it, but if you fail to do so, it is a crime.”
Make sure the weapon is inside a gun safe. If you don’t have a gun safe, then you make sure your weapon is locked and away from areas where children can get to it.
The boy’s father has been taken into custody as they investigate.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has resources for families who want to learn more about gun safety. They can be found here.
