DETROIT — A Michigan mother is facing criminal charges for allegedly dropping off her 3-year-old child at a day care center with a loaded gun in the minor's backpack, prosecutors announced on June 4.
The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said the incident occurred on May 14 when Kelly Reid, 34, dropped off her child at a day care center in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. Prosecutors said an employee would later discover a loaded handgun after opening the backpack, an item that was supposed to contain her child's snack.
Reid had allegedly placed the gun in the child's backpack to carry it to and from her car, but failed to remove it before dropping off her child, according to the prosecutor's office. The name of the child care center where the incident occurred was not released.
The incident prompted Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald to charge Reid with reckless use of a firearm, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days and/or a $500 fine. Hunting privileges also could be suspended.
"I’m grateful this is a story about a misdemeanor charge instead of a tragedy,” McDonald said in a statement announcing the charges. “A loaded gun needs to be secured. Failing to do so around small children is absolutely reckless. The employee who found the gun should be commended for quickly securing it and contacting police.”
