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Toddler Found With Gun at Daycare, Officer Parent Charged
4 Oct
Summary
- Officer's toddler brought loaded handgun to Michigan daycare.
- Both parents face child abuse and unsafe storage charges.
- Judge prohibited parents from possessing any firearms.
A Detroit police officer has been placed on administrative duty without firearm privileges following an incident where his toddler was discovered with a loaded handgun at a Michigan daycare. The incident occurred on September 28th at Children's World Early Learning Center in Canton.
Prosecutors have charged both the officer, Brandon John Ely, 28, with fourth-degree child abuse, and the child's mother, Rabab Ibrahim Al Zayad, 27, with unsafe storage. A judge ordered both parents to surrender all firearms immediately.
The judge denied an exception for the officer's employment, stating the nature of the allegations warranted the prohibition. The Detroit Police Department confirmed they are investigating and will hold the officer accountable if policy violations occurred. Canton Police Chief Joseph Bialy noted the firearm was privately owned.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's office stated the 3-year-old had the weapon in a backpack, and it was passed to other students before a teacher intervened. Michigan's safe-storage law, effective in 2024, mandates secure firearm storage when children may be present.
