News Summary
Darius Guy has pleaded guilty to a Safe Storage Violation and Infliction of Serious Impairment of a Body Function after his nephew accidentally shot himself. The incident occurred when a firearm was left unsecured, leading to serious injuries for the child. Guy’s sentencing is set for September 3, raising concerns about firearm safety in homes with children.
Grand Rapids – Darius Guy has pleaded guilty to a Safe Storage Violation and Infliction of Serious Impairment of a Body Function following an incident in which his 3-year-old nephew accidentally shot himself. The plea was entered in court on Wednesday, with sentencing scheduled for September 3.
The shooting occurred on January 18 around noon at an apartment located in the 700 block of Sinclair Avenue. Authorities were alerted after reports of a shooting involving the toddler. Preliminary investigations revealed that the child had accidentally discharged a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol, which was found unsecured in an open storage area of the apartment’s entertainment center.
At the time of the incident, Guy was living with his mother, who is also the child’s grandmother, and his nephew. He left the firearm unattended when he went to the post office, allowing the young child to access the weapon.
The child sustained injuries to his wrist and right hand and was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening, according to medical personnel. Following the incident, Guy returned to the scene and confessed to leaving the handgun unsecured. He was later re-interviewed by the Grand Rapids Police Department on January 21, 2025, during which he reaffirmed that the firearm was accessible to the child.
Michigan law mandates that firearms must be stored unloaded and locked away if minors are present. This secure storage law is crucial for preventing unauthorized access to firearms by children. Violations of this law can incur severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and/or fines reaching $5,000. The severity of the penalties may increase based on the extent of injuries or if a death occurs as a result of such violations.
The tragic incident underlines the importance of firearm safety, particularly in homes where children reside. It highlights the potential consequences when proper precautions are not adhered to in securing firearms, reminding families of their responsibilities when it comes to safe storage practices.
As the sentencing date approaches, the community is left to reflect on the implications of this case and the need for enhanced awareness around firearm safety, particularly in environments with children. The outcomes of similar incidents stress the responsibility of gun owners to protect children from preventable tragedies.
This event serves as a sobering reminder for all gun owners to remain vigilant and ensure that proper safety measures are taken, safeguarding their families and preventing accidents like the one that occurred in this case.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Children Bringing Guns to School in Michigan
- Wikipedia: Child Safety
- MLive: Grand Rapids Man Shot
- Google Search: Gun Incident in Michigan
- People: Michigan Child Accidentally Shoots Himself
- Google Scholar: Firearm Safety for Children
- Holland Sentinel: Teen Killed in Ottawa County Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- FOX 17: Student Family Questioned Over Gun Incident
- Google News: Children Bringing Guns to School
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
