Crime & Safety

Detroit Teen Arrested After Child Shoots Himself In Head: Police

Police said they expect the toddler will survive the accidental shooting.

DETROIT — A 16-year-old teenager was arrested Thursday after police said a 2-year-old boy found the teen's unsecured gun in a Detroit home and shot himself in the head, police said.

The toddler was rushed to Children's Hospital and was listed in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon, police said. Police expect the child to survive the accidental shooting.

Police said the toddler grabbed the gun off a bed in his bedroom inside a Detroit home on Alameda Street just south of 8 Mile and West of John R. roads. Police believe the toddler shares the bedroom with the teenager, who are brothers.

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It was unclear if the teenager will face any charges in connection to the shooting. Police did not release the identity of the teenager.

"We should all be outraged that a child had easy access to an unsecured weapon," Chief James E. White said. "The only good news is that this child will survive. Just a few months ago I said we must do more to protect the most vulnerable in our community and prevent senseless acts of gun violence. I’m fed up and angry. Our thoughts and prayers are not enough. This is not acceptable. As a community, we must do some soul-searching and rise up together to say enough is enough."

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Officials did not provide any further details Thursday.

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