Battle Creek Toddler Shoots, Injures Himself With His Father’s Unsecured Gun

Authorities in Battle Creek are investigating a gunshot injury to a 2-year-old boy. It is believed to have happened after his father's gun had been left unattended with the safety off.

The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that it happened at a home in the 100 block of Battle Creek Avenue just before 4:00 pm Wednesday. Officers were alerted after the 26-year-old father arrived at Bronson Battle Creek with his injured son. The toddler had apparently shot himself once in the buttocks with the bullet exiting near his front right hip, according to police. Eventually the boy was taken to Kalamazoo for further treatment of injuries that are said to be non-life threatening.

The father told police that he was in the living room while the child was napping in a bedroom. After going to the bathroom, and while returning to the living room, the father said he heard a popping sound and then the 2-year-old ran toward him, holding his backside.