KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A 12-year-old girl was injured in what is believed to be an accidental shooting Wednesday evening in Kalamazoo. The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Clinton Avenue near Bank Street, and authorities have confirmed that the suspect is a 16-year-old boy who has been cooperating with police.
Upon arrival, officers found the young girl suffering from a gunshot wound to the head and face. She was alert and conscious at the scene and was immediately transported to a local hospital, where she is currently listed in stable condition, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) Captain Danielle Guilds.
“The weapon used in this incident was a shotgun,” Guilds said. “It was not secured properly inside the home and unfortunately, it was accessible to minors.”
While the investigation continues, officials have forwarded the case to the prosecutor’s office, seeking a charge of careless discharge causing injury. Detectives are aware of who owns the firearm, but they have not disclosed the owner’s connection to the teens involved, as the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities also pointed out that the circumstances of the case may involve violations of Michigan’s recently enacted safe gun storage law. This law, which went into effect last year, requires firearms to be locked and inaccessible to minors. Violations can carry penalties ranging from a 93-day misdemeanor to a 15-year felony, depending on the specific details of the case and whether anyone is injured.
“This could be the first safe storage case for the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety,” Guilds noted, adding that the county prosecutor’s office has seen only one conviction under the law since it was passed.
In light of this incident, KDPS officials are encouraging the community to take advantage of free gun locks available at the department’s headquarters on Crosstown Parkway. The department also promotes its gun amnesty program, which allows residents to anonymously surrender unwanted firearms at partner churches.
The shooting has raised concerns about firearm safety, especially in homes with minors. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper gun storage to prevent accidental shootings and keep children safe.
