Toddler Finds Loaded Gun at Michigan Daycare; Officer-Parent in Custody

A toddler pulled a loaded handgun from a backpack at a daycare in Canton, Michigan, on Monday, prompting authorities to take one of the child's parents — a police officer from a neighboring jurisdiction — into custody as the investigation proceeds.

No one was hurt in the incident, and Police Chief Joseph Bialy credited daycare staff with acting quickly to keep the children safe. The handgun was not a service weapon, he said.

Speaking at a news conference, Bialy said he had reviewed video showing the child removing the gun from the backpack and described the footage as "shocking," adding that it was difficult to watch even with the knowledge that the situation ended without injury.

"I don't think there was any ill intent by truly anyone involved," Bialy said. "I think it really falls back on safe security of a firearm, making sure that we know where our firearms are located, that they are not accessible to anyone."

The daycare already had substantial security measures in place but will strengthen its protocols and begin searching all backpacks, Bialy said.

He singled out the staff member who was in the room throughout the incident, saying the teacher identified what was happening and intervened immediately. "Had that not happened, I do not know where we would be right now or what kind of conversation I would be having," he said.