KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety says it’s actively investigating an accidental shooting involving a three- year-old child that occurred Saturday evening, which they say underscores the importance
of Michigan’s Safe Storage Law.
Saturday at approximately 9:00 p.m., KDPS was dispatched to the 700 block of East Vine Street following a report that a young child had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It was
reported that the child’s parents were transporting her to a local area hospital by private vehicle.
Officers responded to both the residence and the hospital.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the child and a sibling were left alone in a vehicle parked outside a residence in the 700 block of East Vine Street. A firearm, legally owned by a CPL holder and stored in the center console, was accessible inside the vehicle. During the parent’s absence,
the three-year-old was able to access the weapon and accidentally shot herself.
The child is in critical but stable condition and is expected to recover.
The firearm has been recovered and the vehicle has been secured by KDPS for further investigation. No arrests have been made at this time. The case remains under investigation
by KDPS detectives.
Michigan’s Safe Storage Law requires gun owners to securely store firearms in a locked container or with a locking device, especially in homes and vehicles where minors are present.
“While we are relieved to hear the child is on the path to recovery, this incident could have ended
far worse,” said Danielle Guilds, Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division. “We urge all
firearm owners to take every precaution to ensure their weapons are properly secured and
inaccessible to children.”
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