(CBS-DETROIT) – The parents of a 5-year-old who accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun have been charged with violating Michigan’s safe storage law, officials say.
The child’s father, Timithy Gravel, 32, of Westland, and mother, Heather LeBlanc, 29, of Westland, were charged with firearms – safe storage – premises under individual’s control – minor present and injured self or someone else.
Westland Police responded to Corewell Wayne Hospital on Nov. 7 for a report of a child who had been the victim of a shooting earlier that evening. Police determined the shooting occurred at a child’s home in the 33000 block of Alamo Court in Westland, and he had access to the unsecured gun inside the home. The boy died later that evening from his injuries.
“Westland Police urge all firearms owners to store their firearms responsibly and out of reach of children to prevent further tragedies of this nature,” police said in a statement.
According to Michigan’s safe storage law, which came into effect in Februaryresidents must keep firearms unloaded and stored unattended with a lock or in a locked box when it is “reasonably known” that a minor may be present.
Gravel was given a $50,000 bond and ordered to have a GPS tether when bond is posted. LeBlanc was given a $25,000 bond and must also wear a GPS tether when she posts bond.
The parents will have a probable cause conference on Nov. 21 and a preliminary examination on Nov. 27.
