Records: Lansing toddler accidentally shot self with gun father left out

LANSING — Police have determined a toddler accidentally shot himself with his father's gun, according to court records.

The 3-year-old's father, Lamarko Joseph, 26, returned home from a gas station Dec. 3 and placed the gun on the dining room table, Lansing Police Department Detective Michael Looney testified during a hearing that led to criminal charges.

The gun was loaded, with a round in the chamber and was within the toddler's reach, Looney said.

Related: Lansing man charged with child abuse after toddler shot in head

Joseph, who is charged with second-degree child abuse and three felony weapons charges, told police he carried the gun for protection, Looney said.

He saw the child walk past him, in the direction of the dining room table, but didn't think anything of it, Looney said he told police.

He sat down on the couch. Then he heard a gunshot.

The toddler was shot in the head and was having trouble breathing when police arrived to the 5000 block of South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Two weeks after the shooting, the boy remained in critical condition. Lansing Police Public Information Director Robert Merritt said his condition is improving.

Both Joseph and the toddler's mother were home at the time of the shooting. The mom told police she did not know Joseph had a gun in the house, and did not see it that night.

Joseph said he bought the gun over Thanksgiving weekend when he was in his home town. Looney did not say where Joseph's home town is.

The gun had been listed as stolen Dec. 5 in Benton Township, Looney said.

Joseph remains in custody in the Ingham County Jail on $10,000 bail. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Contact reporter Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.