PONTIAC (WWJ) -- Oakland County Sheriff's officials say a father is now in jail after the accidental shooting death of his 3-year-old son.
The shooting happened Tuesday afternoon at an apartment on Maynard Court, in the area of University Dr. and Woodward Ave. in Pontiac.
Sheriff Mike Bouchard said the boy's mother and grandmother were in the home, along with five young children.
An investigation is underway to determine who fired the gun. However, the sheriff said detectives believe the gun left in the home unsecured, and of the kids got a hold of it.
The gun, which the sheriff said belonged to the victim's dad, has been recovered.
Bouchard said it makes him angry because the shooting was 100% avoidable.
"We have great rights in this country. But we also have great responsibility," the sheriff said, at an news conference earlier this week.
Investigators were still working to determine details as to who lived in the home and who was responsible for the children at the time of the shooting.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reported the dad was in custody as of Thursday morning.
His name has not yet been released, pending an arraignment on formal charges.
The sheriff noted that the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, just as many police departments in the Metro Detroit area, offers gun locks for free to the public.
