Macomb Co. Mom Charged After 3-Year-Old Son Shoots Himself In Hand: Prosecutor

WARREN, MI — A woman is facing charges after her 3-year-old son accidentally shot himself in the hand with an unsecured gun inside a Macomb County home last week, according to prosecutors.

The incident happened on Jan. 20 at 10:15 p.m. at The Cove Apartments in Warren, according to prosecutors.

The child was taken to Henry Ford Warren Hospital where he was listed in stable condition, according to prosecutors.

While searching the home, investigators found an unsecured semi-automatic handgun, which they determined was accidentally fired. They believe it's the gun the boy used to fire a single round that struck him in the hand.

Police did not report any other injuries.

Daniellys Villegas-Moreno, 24, of Warren, was charged with firearms-safe storage violation-premises under an individual’s control-minor present and injured self or another, which is a five-year felony.

She was placed in jail with a $10,000 bond. If she is released on bond, she cannot possess, use or be in the presence of firearms, must wear a GPS tether upon release and cannot leave Michigan. Her next court date is scheduled for Feb. 10.

"Michigan’s firearm safe storage statute is designed to reduce preventable deaths and injuries, including incidents of youth self-harm and gun-related violence," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. "My office has prioritized public awareness so residents understand their legal responsibilities. If a firearm is in a household where children could gain access, it must be stored in a locked container or fitted with a device that makes it unusable."