A two-year-old boy is recovering after being shot by a stray bullet Saturday night while watching fireworks with his family on Detroit’s east side.
The shooting happened near Marion Street, in the area of Van Dyke and I-94, just after 11:40 p.m. According to police, the toddler was standing outside his home with family members when shooting erupted a block away at a nearby park.
A group of unsupervised teens had gathered at the park when an altercation broke out and someone opened fire. One of the bullets traveled through the neighborhood and struck the child.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said the child is in temporary serious condition, but the injuries are considered minimal and the toddler is expected to survive.
“We’ve detained two juveniles who fit the description of those involved,” Bettison said. “They’re considered persons of interest at this time.”
But the chief says this is about more than just making arrests — it’s about responsibility.
“There is a curfew for a reason. It’s dangerous,” Bettison said. “Parents need to know where their kids are and ensure they’re supervised. We are stepping up enforcement and we will be issuing parental responsibility tickets.”
