WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Warren police say an 8-year-old child is in critical condition after shooting himself in the face with what may have been an unsecured gun.
EMS units were called to the Cove on 10 Apartment complex near Hoover and 10 Mile Road at about 3:25 p.m.
They rushed the child to the hospital where he is currently listed in critical condition but is responding to pain stimuli. Detroit and Center Line police assisted in getting the ambulance to the hospital.
“I don’t believe the ambulance stopped for a single intersection. We got the kid down there in record time," Warren Police Lt. Greg Booton said.
Police are still investigating but say at this point, it appears the child found the gun and shot himself. Both of his parents and two younger siblings were home at the time of the incident.
The investigation will include whether the gun was safely and securely stored.
“There are laws now in place if you don’t keep your firearm secured and if things happen with them, you’ll go to prison. And unfortunately, this is worse-case scenario and that’s why we have laws like this," Booton said. "I would just ask you if you keep a firearm at home, please lock it up, secure it, keep it away from your children.”
Ricardo Latham lives at the apartment complex and right across the hall from where the incident took place.
“One of the policemen ran up in there like a soldier and grabbed the little boy," Latham said. “I hope he pulls through I mean seriously... he’s a nice little boy.”
Officers stress that at this point, it does not appear foul play was involved.
Police say they will release more information as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Rose at 586-574-4793.
