Parents Charged After Their Toddler Passed Around Gun At Canton Daycare: Prosecutor

CANTON, MI — A Wayne County couple is facing charges after their 3-year-old son passed around a loaded gun at a Canton daycare center, according to prosecutors.

Police said one of the toddler's parents worked as a police officer in the Detroit area but clarified that the handgun involved was not a department-issued firearm.

Brandon John Ely, 28, was charged with one count of fourth-degree child abuse (one-year misdemeanor).

Rabab Ibrahim Al Zayad, 27, was charged with one count of unsafe storage (93-day misdemeanor).

Both parents were placed in jail with a $10,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for Oct. 30.

"These are the charges that we will be able prove in court of law beyond a reasonable doubt," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. It is very unsettling to think about what may have happened in this case. We are thankful that there was no loss of life at this daycare center."

The incident happened Monday at the Children’s World’s Early Learning Center, located in the 7400 block of North Sheldon Road, according to police.

Police said the couple's 3-year-old son found an unsecured holstered gun in a backpack, which had been stored in the classroom.

The children passed the gun around among themselves, before a teacher immediately intervened and took it from the children, according to police.

Police said no shots were fired and no one was injured in the incident.

"While this incident was unintentional, the responsibility for the safe and secure storage of firearms rests unequivocally with the firearm owner," Canton Director of Police Services Joseph Bialy said. "This incident serves as an important reminder of the serious consequences that can result from an unsecured firearm and underscores the critical importance of responsible firearm storage and safety."