DETROIT (WXYZ) — A child was hospitalized after being shot in Detroit Thursday afternoon, police said.
It happened on Rosemont Avenue near Davison W.
The Detroit Police Department said a 5-year-old boy got a hold of a gun that was under a bed at his grandmother's house. He was shot in the chest.
It's unclear at this time if the child shot himself or was shot by another child.
The victim was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition, according to Detroit police Chief James White.
Neighbors who live off Rosemont say "empathy" is the only feeling they have after hearing a 5-year-old who lives on their street is recovering in the hospital.
“We feel for the family. It’s a painful situation to have to go through," Cassie Clark said.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been four shootings involving a child in the city of Detroit.
On Jan. 7, a 4-year-old was shot twice by her mother by mistake while she was cleaning her gun. This incident took place on Brush Street near East Grand Boulevard.
A week later on Jan. 14 on Lafayette Street, a 3-year-old boy shot himself after removing a gun from a coat pocket.
In this case, a Roseville woman was charged in connection. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office says the coat belonged to the woman.
On Feb. 7, a 2-year-old got his hands on a gun and shot himself. The bullet went through his wrist and shoulder, sending him to a children's hospital for surgery.
Potential charges related to the incident are unknown at this time.
To help encourage responsible gun ownership, the police department offers free gun locks, but neighbors say that is not enough.
Josette Hejka says to put them in public buildings like libraries or recreational centers.
“The Rosedale Park Community Center is a couple miles up and is a fantastic resource. Give people access to things that will keep them safer," she said.
**Editor's note: In a previous version of this article, police said the child on Feb. 17 shot himself. They provided an update saying that is not yet confirmed.
