A 6-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital yesterday after she found a gun inside a Detroit home and accidentally shot herself in the shoulder, according to police. The incident unfolded on the 8800 block of Artesian Street on the city's west side. The child was taken to a nearby children's hospital and is expected to be okay. Officers at the scene told reporters that someone was led out of the house in handcuffs as an investigation got underway.
FOX 2 Detroit reported that officials confirmed the girl suffered a shoulder wound and was transported to a children's hospital after the Sunday shooting on Artesian. An officer at the scene also confirmed that a person was escorted from the home in handcuffs. The Detroit Police Department remains the source of the information, and detectives are still collecting evidence.
Safe-storage law could be relevant
Michigan law requires firearms to be unloaded and secured with a locking device or stored in a locked container if a minor is, or is likely to be, present. The requirement took effect on Feb. 13, 2024, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The statute sets out misdemeanor and felony penalties when an unsecured gun is accessed by a minor and then displayed or discharged, resulting in injury or death, per an analysis of the enacted bills by the Michigan Legislature. Those penalties can be added on top of other criminal charges if the facts support them.
Where to get locks and help
As part of a statewide push to prevent similar incidents, officials have been giving out free locking devices. Michigan Public reported that roughly 110,600 free gun locks have been distributed since the safe-storage law went into effect. Community groups and local agencies across Michigan continue to promote lock-and-storage options and other resources for families with children.
Investigators still seeking answers
Police have not publicly identified the firearm's owner or said whether the gun was registered. FOX 2 Detroit reported that ownership of the weapon remains unknown. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detroit police as the department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
