2 children shot by toddler at Dearborn in-home daycare

2 young children shot at home on Harding Street in Dearborn

DEARBORN, Mich. – The latest updates and information on two children shot by another child at an in-home daycare in Dearborn: 

UPDATE: 2 young children shot after toddler finds gun at in-home day care in Dearborn

  • 10 a.m. Wednesday: Two children were shot by a toddler at a home in the 3000 block of Harding Street. 
  • Sources said a child was playing with a firearm and shot the two victims. They are both 3 years old. 
  • Both victims were taken to Children's Hospital in Detroit. One was first taken to Beaumont (Oakwood) Hospital in Dearborn but then airlifted to the trauma center at Children's Hospital in Detroit. 
  • The victims were both listed in critical, but stable condition.
  • One victim, who is 3 years old, is now in stable condition. This child was shot in the shoulder, sources said. 
  • Police would not say what kind of firearm was used in the shooting and how the children got ahold of it.
  • Someone from inside the home originally called 911. 

Deaborn police chief: It's irresponsible

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said it's a "totally" tragic event. He said the home is known for babysitting, but he would not say if it is a licensed daycare. 

"It's irresponsible. The investigation will continue," he said. "There were several children and at least one adult, possibly more (in the home at the time)."

Paramedics said the children were rapidly transported to trauma departments. The chief said someone from inside the home called 911 to report the shooting. 

"If there are charges, there will be appropriate charges. We seem to know all the parties involved," he said. 

Haddad said he wants the parents to know the police and fire departments have done their best to keep the kids safe.

"The parents should make sure they are leaving their kids someplace safe," said the chief. "We just want to pull for the kids right now."

Police rushed the other children who were in the home to the police station where they were picked up by parents.

Watch the chief's news briefing here: 

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Neighbor says she complained to city about children's care

Neighbor Carol Rittenbarry, who lives right next door, said she has seen the children out in the yard before. 

"I've seen them out in the backyard playing in their diapers. There are five or six kids at the time out there, maybe more. A lot of times it's just her older children watching them," said Rittenbarry. 

Rittenbarry said she has been concerned by the children's care and has complained to the city. 

"We've called the city but the city won't do nothing about it," she said. 

Rittenbarry said she can't say if she's surprised about there being loose weapons in the home. 

"It's just scary," she said. 

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for more information as it becomes available. 

This video shows the ambulance rushing to Children's Hospital in Detroit: 


About the Authors:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.