A frightening scene took place at a Michigan daycare this week. A toddler pulled a loaded gun out of his backpack, sending the facility's staff scrambling.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The Moment Was Caught on Camera
As reported by the New York Post, the incident took place on Monday, Sep. 28, at Children's World Early Learning Center in Canton, a suburb of Detroit.
The gun was still in its holster when the child took it out of the backpack. Daycare staff then intervened quickly to secure the weapon. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Canton police Chief Joseph Bialy said the moment was "hard to watch" on video, but he was "comforted by the fact that nobody was injured."
"I've watched the video, and I've seen what their staff did, and they were prepared and ready to remove this firearm and keep all the kids safe there. And I commend them for their actions," he added.
What Happened to the Parents of the Toddler?
The authorities have not shared how the toddler obtained the loaded gun, and it is also unclear who owns it.
One of the child's parents is a police officer in a nearby community. Bialy told reporters that the other parent was arrested. Charges have not yet been filed. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is also investigating the incident.
Neighbors were surprised that a loaded gun was brought anywhere near the daycare.
"It's a terrible thing to happen," said one local. "The parent should've had more control of the firearm. It should've been at home, locked up in a safe, and impossible for a kid to get near it."
The daycare also shared a statement with the Post.
"At Children's World, there is nothing we take more seriously than the safety, security and well-being of the children entrusted to our care," it begins.
"We understand the concerns this event has caused our families, and as educators and parents ourselves, we fully share those feelings," it then continued.
"We are proud of the immediate response our teachers took to ensure the safety of our children and are grateful that nobody was harmed.
"Effective immediately, we are introducing additional measures, including checking backpacks. We remain committed to ensuring our center is a safe haven for every child and family we serve."
