Father faces charges after child reportedly shoots self with gun

EASTPOINTE — Authorities are reminding residents to properly secure their firearms after an incident where an Eastpointe man’s 3-year-old son reportedly shot himself with his father’s unsecured handgun.

According to Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish, police were dispatched to the 21000 block of Nevada Avenue, off Toepfer Drive east of Gratiot Avenue, at around 7 p.m. June 15 on word of an accidental shooting.

Upon arrival, they allegedly found the father — identified by police as Demetrius Robert Owens, 27 — sitting with his young son on his lap. The child had what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his left hand. Police said that further investigation revealed that the child had shot himself by accident, using a handgun that reportedly belonged to Owens.

Police said they recovered the handgun, which was legally owned, and Medstar arrived to conduct initial treatment of the child, who was then transported to a local hospital. Once charges were authorized by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Owens was taken into custody by the Eastpointe Special Investigations Unit.

At press time, Owens had waived his right to an attorney, according to court records.

He was arraigned in Eastpointe 38th District Court by visiting Judge William Crouchman on one count of second-degree child abuse, a 10-year felony; one count of safe storage firearm violation — premise under individual’s control where minor present and inflicted serious impairment, a 10-year felony; careless discharge of a firearm causing injury or death, a two-year felony; and felony firearm, a two-year mandatory felony.

Owens’ bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety, and the court ordered that upon his release he must have no firearms, and he must have no contact with the crime witness or any minors under 18. He was also ordered to wear a GPS tether.

Holish said gun ownership is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously.

“Always secure the weapon in a gun safe, or keep it unloaded with the gun lock in an area that is not accessible to children or other guests in the house. If carrying a weapon on your person, always keep it in a holster. Do not keep the weapon in your pocket or waistline with the trigger unprotected. Always treat all firearms as though they are loaded,” Holish said.

He continued: “Ensure that there is no bullet in the chamber before manipulating it in any way. If practicing with the weapon on the range, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Ensure that there is no one downrange before discharging the weapon.”

Peter Lucido, the Macomb County prosecutor, said in a prepared statement that reckless behavior with guns will not be tolerated.

“This is a reminder that gun owners must be responsible and vigilant in safeguarding their weapons,” Lucido stated. “We will hold individuals accountable for not securing their firearms to prevent these tragedies in the future.”