LANSING, MI – A heartbreaking incident in Lansing, Michigan, has ended in tragedy as a 2-year-old boy, who accidentally shot himself while left unattended in a car with an unsecured firearm, has succumbed to his injuries. The Lansing Police Department confirmed the devastating news, expressing deep sadness over the young child’s passing.
Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane has announced his intention to thoroughly review the case for potential criminal charges. Dewane emphasized the importance of preventing children from accessing firearms.
The accidental shooting occurred outside a Sunoco gas station in Lansing on a fateful Tuesday afternoon, shortly after 3 p.m. A 44-year-old male, allegedly involved in the incident, fled the scene but was subsequently apprehended in connection with the case. Authorities have withheld the man’s name until his arraignment, and no charges will be filed until at least the weekend, as confirmed by Scott Hughes, a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office.
Despite the swift response of firefighters who rushed the toddler to a local hospital for treatment, the young child tragically succumbed to the gunshot wound on Wednesday night. In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, Prosecutor Dewane stressed the need for action to prevent similar tragedies and protect the community’s children.
Statistics reveal that over half of gun owners in the United States do not securely store their firearms, contributing to accidents like this one. An upcoming Michigan gun safety law, scheduled to take effect in March 2024, mandates that gun owners keep their firearms locked and unloaded if minors are likely to be present on the premises. Violations could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.