EASTPOINTE (WWJ) - A 42-year-old man in Macomb County was charged with child abuse after an accidental shooting injured his young nephew on Tuesday, authorities said.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, officers were called to the home of Laron Genta Alston in the 16000 block of Juliana in Eastpointe regarding an injured child.
When police arrived on scene, they found a 5-year-old boy, identified as Alston's nephew, bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound to his foot.
According to officials, Alston was watching his nephew when the child grabbed an unsecured gun stuffed between the cushions of the furniture.
Alston did not own a gun safe, authorities added, and kept a .40 caliber Sig Sauer in his recliner for safekeeping.
His nephew discovered the weapon and shot himself in the foot.
The boy was taken to a local hospital and is expected to be OK.
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The prosecutor's office said a second weapon was located in the home and removed by police.
Alston was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Child Abuse, which is a 10-year felony if convicted, the prosecutor's office said.
"Let this be a lesson to all," authorities said. "Lock those guns up."
The 42-year-old was arraigned in the 38th District Court where a judge set his bond at $15,000 cash surety or 10%.
Alston was ordered to have no contact with his nephew or any witnesses. He also cannot possess a firearm.
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