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Alston
EASTPOINTE — An Eastpointe child was sent to the hospital and a relative was arrested after Eastpointe police responded to what the department is calling an “accidental shooting” Aug. 9.
At approximately 4:49 p.m. Aug. 9, Eastpointe police responded to the 16000 block of Juliana Avenue, north of Eight Mile Road and east of Gratiot Avenue, for a report of a child who shot himself in the foot, according to a press release from the department. Upon arrival, police found the 5-year-old child bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound to his left foot.
“The child was transported to a medical facility where he is doing fine,” the release said.
The child’s uncle, Laron Genta Alston, 42, of Eastpointe, was watching the child at the time. Alston allegedly had hidden a .40-caliber SIG Sauer in the cushion of a recliner due to not having a gun safe, the department said.
“Unfortunately, his nephew located the weapon and shot himself,” the release said.
A second firearm also was removed from the home. Alston was arrested and arraigned Aug. 10 on a charge of second-degree child abuse, which is a 10-year felony.
At press time, Alston did not have an attorney listed.
“Let this be a lesson to all. Lock those guns up,” the release states.
Contact Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637 or bwells@candgnews.com.
