A woman from Oakland County faces charges after reportedly leaving a loaded firearm in her 3-year-old’s backpack during a drop-off at a child care facility, according to authorities.
A 34-year-old woman from West Bloomfield, Kelly Reid, faces charges for the reckless use of a firearm, as stated by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. She could be looking at a maximum of 90 days behind bars and/or a $500 penalty for this offence, along with the possibility of having her hunting rights revoked for as long as three years.
On Wednesday, May 14, a woman reportedly left her child at a child care centre in Royal Oak, providing the staff with a backpack intended to contain the 3-year-old’s snack.
However, upon opening the bag, a loaded firearm was discovered inside.
Reid informed officials that she placed the firearm in the backpack for transportation to and from her vehicle, but neglected to remove it before leaving the 3-year-old.
“I’m grateful this is a story about a misdemeanor charge instead of a tragedy,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “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.”
