Police Probe Of Toddler Shooting At Dearborn Daycare Could Go To Prosecutors Friday

(UPDATED) DEARBORN, MI — An investigation into the shooting of two 3-year-old boys at an unlicensed Dearborn child care has yet to be concluded by Dearborn Police. The boys, whom the department said are still in serious but stable condition, were shot by a toddler with a handgun at a home in the 3600 block of Harding Street Wednesday morning.

Exact details about how the gun was obtained by the toddler and from where in the house remain sketchy. Charges against child care owners Tim and Samantha Eubanks, if any, would come after Dearborn Police present the case to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, according to her spokesperson Maria Miller.

It’s unknown if the case will be presented on Friday.

An emergency call was placed from the child care after the shooting and Dearborn police officers and paramedics arrived on scene at about 10:20 a.m.

Dearborn Police have not disclosed what kind of handgun was used by the toddler. One shot appears to have hit both boys, the Detroit Free Press reported.

One of the boys was shot in the shoulder. Dearborn Police told the newspaper, “he is expected to make a full recovery.”

Dearborn Police Lt. Gary Mann told the Free Press the other boy suffered a facial injury. Mann said he is in serious but stable condition.

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The boys were transported to Children’s Hospital in Detroit. Hospital spokesperson Elise Bennett, at the family’s request, declined to provide any details about injuries to either child or their current medical status.

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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has opened an investigation against the Eubanks for running an unlicensed child care facility at their Harding Street home, according to department spokesman Pardeep Toor. A neighbor said she frequently saw the children playing in the backyard of the home.

“I just thought there were too many kids over there all the time,” Carole Rittenberry said. “Sometimes there’s 10 or 12 in that yard playing.”

Police were seen removing hunting rifles and other items from the home Wednesday. WDIV-TV reported that Tim Eubanks is a hunter.

Samantha Eubanks's sister, Ashley Escobedo, told the Detroit News her sister runs the daycare and mostly watches for the children of friends and family. Escobedo said her sister doesn't charge much and loves children, noting that she has six of her own.

Photos by Tanya Moutzalias /The Ann Arbor News via AP