A toddler brought a loaded firearm into a daycare centre in Canton, Michigan, prompting an investigation and the arrest of one parent. The weapon was found inside the child’s backpack and was still in its holster, police said.
Officers from the Canton Police Department were called to Children’s World Early Learning Center on Monday morning after staff discovered the firearm. The gun was secured without anyone being injured.
Investigators have obtained video showing the toddler taking the weapon from the backpack while inside the centre. It remains unclear how the child gained access to it.
Parent arrested as investigation continues
Canton police said one of the child’s parents had been arrested following the incident. The parent has not been publicly identified and no charges had been announced while the investigation remained active.
The child’s father is a police officer with a neighbouring department, according to local reports. Police are investigating both parents, while the firearm’s ownership and the circumstances in which it was left accessible to the toddler are being examined.
The Canton Police Department said there was no ongoing threat connected with the incident. Once detectives complete their work, the case will be sent to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The daycare said the family had been removed from the centre as a safety measure. It praised the supervising teacher for remaining calm, securing the weapon and following the appropriate response procedures.
“Most importantly, no one was hurt or injured,” the centre said in a statement, adding that staff action had prevented what could have been a tragedy.
