DETROIT (WWJ) -- A 3-year-old boy is hospitalized Friday evening after he found a gun and shot himself at a Detroit apartment, according to police.
Detroit Police Chief James White said the gun owner could face charges in connection with what he called an "accidental" shooting Friday afternoon, on East Lafayette St. near Orleans St., near downtown Detroit.
White told WWJ Newsradio 950 reporters the boy picked up the gun — belonging to a relative who was visiting — and wounded himself.
"(The gun relative ) takes her jacket off. She's a CPL holder and the weapon is inside the jacket," White explained. "She lays the jacket down, she goes into another room with mom and, you know, a few minutes later you hear a shot go off."
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The child was last reported in critical condition, White said, calling it a "just a tragic, sad situation."
White said the child's family is devastated by the incident which serves as another reminder that everyone must be responsible with their weapons.
"We need your prayers that the baby survives," the chief added.
The investigation is ongoing.
No one has been arrested, and names have been released.
Detroit residents and all gun owners are strongly urged by authorities to always keep their firearms locked up and out of the hand of children. Detroit Police and other police departments offer gun locks for free. Check with your local precinct or police department for information.
Editor's note: This article initially stated that Chief White said the mother could face charges. It has been corrected to reflect that it's the gun owner, another relative of the child, who could face charges.
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