OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – An Oakland County woman has been charged after she allegedly left a loaded gun in her 3-year-old’s backpack when she dropped them off at a child care center, officials said.
Kelly Reid, 34, of West Bloomfield, was charged with reckless use of a firearm, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. She faces up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine for this misdemeanor, and she could have her hunting privileges suspended for up to three years.
On Wednesday, May 14, the woman allegedly dropped her child off at a child care center in Royal Oak and gave staff a backpack that was supposed to have the 3-year-old’s snack in it.
But when a staff member opened the bag, there was a loaded gun inside.
Reid told authorities that she put the gun inside the backpack to transport it to and from her car, but forgot to take it out before dropping the 3-year-old off.
“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.”