Michigan Parents Charged After 3-Year-Old Brings Loaded Gun to Daycare
Two Michigan parents are facing criminal charges after their 3-year-old son pulled a loaded handgun out of his backpack at a daycare and handed it to other children, authorities said.
No one was hurt. But officials say the incident at Children's World Early Learning Center in Canton Township, outside Detroit, could easily have ended in tragedy.
What Happened at the Daycare
The incident happened on the morning of Monday, September 28. While in his classroom, the boy took a holstered, loaded handgun out of his backpack and passed it to other students before a staff member stepped in and recovered the weapon, according to the Associated Press.
A teacher noticed the gun and called police. Officers with the Canton Public Safety Department responded and secured the firearm.
Investigators said the gun belonged to the boy's father, a police officer. FOX 2 Detroit reported that he is a veteran of the Detroit Police Department. Authorities have not publicly explained how the weapon ended up in the child's backpack.
Children's World said its teacher's quick response prevented anyone from being harmed. The center announced that it would begin checking children's backpacks right away. The family has since been disenrolled from the daycare.
The Charges Against the Parents
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office charged the boy's father, Brandon John Ely, 28, with one count of fourth-degree child abuse, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. The charge accuses him of creating a risk of harm to the child.
The boy's mother, Rabab Ibrahim Al Zayad, 27, was charged with one count of violating Michigan's safe storage law, a misdemeanor that carries up to 93 days in jail, according to WDIV Local 4.
Both parents were arraigned Thursday and released on $10,000 personal bonds. Their next court date is set for October 30.
During the hearing, Ely's attorney asked that he be allowed to keep a firearm for his job. The judge refused. Ely owns nine firearms, which are stored in three gun safes, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
"I understand the position that he would like to retain a firearm. But given the nature of the allegations and the nature of the offense, I think it is appropriate at this time that both not have, or possess, any firearms," Judge Joe Barone said.
"Very Unsettling"
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the case was deeply troubling.
"It is very unsettling to think about what may have happened in this case," Worthy said.
She also warned parents about how drawn young children are to guns. "Children have a magnetic and instant attraction to guns, for some reason. They always know where they are. They always want to pick them up. They always want to play with it. They always want to shoot it," she said.
Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy said the case should serve as a reminder to every gun owner. "The message here is that no matter how busy our lives are, we have a great responsibility if we're going to choose to own a firearm," Bialy said, according to ABC News.
Michigan's Safe Storage Law
Michigan law requires gun owners to keep firearms locked up or unloaded and stored in a locked container when a minor is likely to be present. The state's safe storage law took effect in 2024. Wayne County prosecutors have handled nearly two dozen cases involving children gaining access to guns since 2022.
The Canton case echoes other incidents in which young children brought guns from home. In 2023, a 6-year-old in Newport News, Virginia, shot his first-grade teacher, Abby Zwerner, with a handgun he brought to class. His mother was later convicted for her role.
How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe
Safety experts recommend storing guns unloaded and locked, with ammunition kept in a separate locked place. Cable locks, trigger locks and lockboxes are inexpensive ways to add a layer of protection.
Parents can also talk with children, even very young ones, about what to do if they see a gun: don't touch it, leave the area and tell an adult right away. Before a child visits another home, it is also reasonable to ask whether there are guns in the house and how they are stored.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.