Detroit Police Chief urges firearm safety after 2-year-old shot

A 2-year-old boy fights for his life after a shooting on Detroit’s west side

“I believe that the child is going to survive, but at the same time, it’s still trauma, it’s tragic,” Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said Tuesday morning. He was speaking outside a residence in the 12900 block of Evergreen near West Davison, where a 2-year-old boy was shot with an unsecured firearm, ClickOnDetroit reported.

“We all have a responsibility to stop gun violence.” That’s what First Assistant Chief Franklin Hayes said as the Detroit Police, the city of Detroit, local leaders and citizens came together to promote peace and honor victims and survivors of gun violence. pic.twitter.com/KRouXzbBYz

— https://x.com/detroitpolice/status/2063019764788736247

The incident unfolded while the child’s mother was cooking breakfast. According to ClickOnDetroit, she heard a “loud pop sound” and discovered the child had been shot. A 4-year-old sibling was also present in the home during the shooting but was not harmed, according to reports from both ClickOnDetroit and WXYZ.

As of Tuesday morning, the toddler is listed in critical condition at a local hospital. Investigators have not yet determined if the 2-year-old child fired the weapon or if another individual in the home was responsible. No one is currently in custody as the Detroit Police Department continues its investigation into the exact circumstances of the discharge.

Chief Bettison warns of parental responsibility regarding firearms

While the investigation into the specific mechanics of the shooting remains ongoing, Chief Bettison focused his remarks on the preventable nature of the tragedy. He emphasized that the presence of an unsecured weapon in a residence creates an unacceptable risk to family members.

Child shot detroit Nov. 3 2026 — Photo: wxyz.com

“The message to parents: Secure firearms. Anyone. Whether it’s a gun lock, a gun safe, it’s your responsibility to secure your weapons. And if you don’t, you’ll be held accountable,” Bettison said.

The Chief addressed common misconceptions regarding firearm storage, noting that simply moving a weapon out of immediate reach is insufficient for safety. “Having your weapon in a purse, putting it up on a shelf is not enough,” he added. He further clarified the limitations of law enforcement in domestic settings, stating, “I cannot police inside your house.”

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To assist residents in preventing similar accidents, Bettison noted that the Detroit Police Department provides resources for securing weapons. He mentioned that gun locks are available through multiple channels, including visits to the DPD’s 6th Precinct.

The incident highlights a recurring tension in urban safety discussions: the intersection of Second Amendment rights and the duty of care required to prevent accidental harm to minors. While advocates for firearm ownership often emphasize the necessity of personal protection, the legal and social consequences of negligence—specifically regarding unsecured weapons in the presence of children—remain a heavy burden for families and law enforcement alike.

The investigation into the shooting on Evergreen Road remains active.