Mich. man arrested after 5-year-old nephew allegedly found his gun, accidentally shot himself

EASTPOINTE, Mich. (TCD) -- A 42-year-old man was arrested after his 5-year-old nephew reportedly found his uncle's gun in the cushion of a recliner and accidentally shot himself.

According to a news release from the Eastpointe Police and Fire Department, on Aug. 9 at approximately 4:49 p.m., officers responded to the 16000 block of Juliana to a report of a child who shot himself in the foot. Officers reportedly found the child bleeding from the apparent gunshot wound.

Police said the victim was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

Upon further investigation, the child's uncle, Laron Alston, was reportedly arrested at the scene. At the time of the incident, police said Alston was watching the child.

Alston reportedly did not have a proper gun safe, and his 40-caliber Sig Sauer was inside the cushion of a recliner for "safekeeping." His nephew allegedly located the gun and shot himself. According to police, authorities removed a second firearm from the home.

Alston was reportedly charged with second-degree child abuse. His bond was set at $15,000.

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• Accidental Shooting - Eastpointe Police and Fire Department