New Gun Law in Michigan Results in Charges Against Flint Man

FLINT, Mich. (WILX) – Michigan’s most recent gun legislation has been put into effect in Genesee County, leading to charges being brought against a Flint man this week.

County Prosecutor David Leyton announced on Tuesday that 44-year-old Michael Tolbert is facing a felony charge of first-degree child abuse and violations of the Safe Storage law, following an incident where his unsecured gun caused injury to his 2-year-old daughter less than a week ago.

The Flint Police Department responded to a call at Hurley Medical Center on Feb. 14, where they found 2-year-old Skye McBride with a gunshot wound to her head. Prosecutor Leyton stated that doctors have advised that the child may lose her right eye and remains in critical condition.

Tolbert is the first individual to be charged under the safe storage law, which requires guns to be securely locked or stored in a container when not in use. Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), the law’s sponsor, highlighted the importance of safe storage in preventing accidental shootings of children, citing the alarming statistic of one unintentional shooting per day in the United States.

Gun reform advocates, including Ryan Bates of End Gun Violence Michigan, emphasized the necessity of following the law to prevent tragic incidents like Skye McBride’s injury. Bates urged gun owners to comply with safe storage regulations to avoid similar accidents.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed her condolences for the tragic event, stressing the importance of proper gun storage to prevent such senseless injuries. She noted that Michigan’s new safe storage rules were specifically designed to prevent incidents like this and reiterated the consequences of failing to securely store firearms around children.

During Leyton’s announcement of charges, representatives from the Michigan State Police highlighted the availability of free gun locks at various state police posts. Tolbert has already been arraigned and is awaiting his next court appearance.

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