WARREN (WWJ) -- Another case of a child picking up an unsecured gun and getting hurt is under investigation in Metro Detroit.
According to Warren Police, this was an "accidental shooting" Tuesday night, at The Cove Apartments, at 10 Mile Rd. and Hoover Rd. in Warren.
Police said an investigation found that a 3-year-old boy found unsecured semi-automatic handgun in the apartment and discharged a single round, striking himself in the hand.
No other injuries were reported.
Police responded to the scene at around 10:15 p.m. to find the boy — who was accompanied by his mother, a 24-year-old Warren resident — with a gunshot wound to his hand.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he remained in serious but stable condition Wednesday morning, police said.
Investigators have since served search warrant at the apartment, recovering a handgun and other evidence, police said.
So far, police have not said who owns the gun, and no one has been arrested.
The Warren PD said investigators were working to interview another adult who may have information about what led up to the shooting.
When the investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges — which could include violations of Michigan’s Safe Storage Law, passed in 2023.
"This is a heartbreaking incident that underscores the critical importance of secure firearm storage," said Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins, in a statement. "While we are relieved the child is in stable condition, this tragedy was entirely preventable. We urge every gun owner to use gun locks and safes to ensure that weapons never fall into the hands of a child. We will continue to investigate this matter thoroughly to ensure accountability and to protect the safety of our community's children."
With this incident in mind, Skye Thietten, a local leader with End Gun Violence Michigan wants to remind the public that gun locks are available for free at every Department of Health and Human Services office and most police stations in the state.
"Guns are the number one cause of death for children. Every single death or injury of a child with an unsecured firearm is completely preventable," Thietten said, in a statement. "Responsible gun owners know that locking up your guns around children isn’t just a smart idea, it’s also the law in Michigan.
"Those who break this law can face up to ten years in prison. No one wants this sort of tragedy on their conscience. Let’s all do our part to prevent these horrific shootings in the first place, rather than mourning them afterwards."
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