Toddler Pulls Loaded Gun From Backpack at Michigan Daycare, Parent Arrested

Police in Michigan are investigating after a toddler was found with a loaded handgun inside a daycare center in Canton, with one of the child’s parents arrested following the incident.

The Canton Police Department said officers responded Monday morning to Children’s World Early Learning Center after receiving a report that a toddler had possession of a loaded firearm. Officers secured the weapon and began an investigation.

According to the daycare’s account to parents, the child removed the firearm from a backpack. The weapon was reportedly still inside its holster when the toddler took it out.

A teacher in the room noticed what was happening and intervened, securing the firearm before anyone was injured. Police Chief Joseph Bialy praised the daycare employee’s quick response, saying the intervention helped prevent what could have been a much more serious incident.

Police said one of the toddler’s parents has been taken into custody. Authorities have not publicly identified that parent because the person had not been arraigned at the time of the latest reports.

The investigation also revealed that the child’s other parent is a police officer with a neighboring jurisdiction. The handgun was not a service weapon, according to Canton police. Authorities are still working to establish exactly how the toddler gained access to it.

Police Chief Bialy said investigators had obtained video showing the toddler taking the gun from the backpack. He described the footage as shocking and emphasized the importance of ensuring firearms are securely stored and inaccessible to children.

The daycare said no one was hurt and that staff followed its safety procedures. The center has since increased its security measures, including plans to search backpacks. The family involved has also been disenrolled from the daycare, according to the center.

Canton police said the investigation remains active and that the completed case will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Authorities said there is no continuing threat to the community from the incident.

The incident has also drawn attention to firearm-storage requirements in Michigan. State childcare regulations require firearms to be properly secured in a locked environment inaccessible to children while children are in care, with specific provisions concerning law-enforcement officers who are required to keep firearms loaded and ready for use.

For now, police have not announced criminal charges against the parent in custody. The investigation will determine how the firearm came into the toddler’s possession and whether any laws were violated.