Toddler Pulls Loaded Gun From Backpack at Canton Daycare, Parent Arrested
A teacher stepped in and secured the weapon before anyone was hurt. One of the child’s parents is a police officer with a neighboring department.
Our neighbors in Canton had a frightening situation Monday morning that could have ended very differently.
Canton Police were called to a local daycare after a toddler was found with a loaded firearm inside the building. Police arrived, secured the weapon and began an investigation that resulted in the arrest of one of the child’s parents. Canton Township
The incident happened at Children’s World Early Learning Center on Sheldon Road.
According to information provided by the daycare to families, the handgun was inside the toddler’s backpack and was still in its holster when the child pulled it out. A teacher saw what was happening, immediately intervened and secured the weapon. No children or staff members were injured. WDIV
That quick reaction may have prevented a tragedy.
Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy said he watched video of the incident and praised the daycare employee for recognizing what was happening and acting immediately. WDIV
One of the toddler’s parents is a police officer employed by a neighboring jurisdiction. Canton Police have not publicly identified the officer's department. The gun was not a service weapon, according to police. CBS News
There is conflicting reporting Tuesday about which parent was taken into custody. Canton Police's official statement does not identify the arrested parent, saying only that one parent was arrested. Until police, prosecutors or court records identify that person, Voice of Westland will not speculate. Canton Township
Police are also still investigating exactly how the loaded handgun ended up in the child's backpack.
The family has since been disenrolled from the daycare. The center said it is adding another precaution following the incident and will begin searching backpacks. WDIV
The case is now being investigated by the Canton Police Department Detective Bureau. Once that investigation is complete, Canton Police say it will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review. Canton Township
That means additional information could come fairly quickly, including the identity of the arrested parent and what, if any, criminal charges prosecutors authorize.
For now, the most important part of this story is also the simplest:
A toddler pulled a loaded gun from a backpack inside a room with other children, a teacher recognized the danger and stepped in, and everyone went home safe.
Voice of Westland will update this story when additional information is released by Canton Police or the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
