2-year-old points gun at Connecticut detectives, police say

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Two people were arrested after a 2-year-old child pointed a semi-automatic handgun at Connecticut detectives during an investigation last week, authorities said.

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Joshua Talton and Wanesha Dawson were arrested by police, the New Haven Register reported.

Both were charged with criminal possession of a firearm, risk of injury to a minor, negligent storage of a firearm, interfering with a search warrant, first-degree reckless endangerment, three counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of both controlled and narcotic substances with intent to sell, New Haven Police spokesperson Officer Scott Shumway said.

Talton was also charged with alleged violation of a protective order and interfering with police, according to Shumway.

Talton’s bail was set for $700,000, while Dawson’s was fixed at $500,000, WFSB reported.

According to the New Haven Police Department, detectives responded to a home in the city on June 25, WVIT reported. Detectives said the child pointed the gun, which had a red laser, at them, the television station reported.

The gun was left unattended on a bed in the home, according to police.

“During the investigation, a 2-year-old pointed a semi-automatic handgun with a red laser attachment at detectives, that was left unattended on a bed. Detectives were able to secure the handgun without incident,” Shumway told the Register. “The Department of Children and Families was notified and responded to the scene.”

Detectives were able to take the gun from the child without further incident, and the Department of Children and Families was notified, WTNH reported.

“This incident is just one example of the types of situations the men and women of the New Haven Police Department potentially encounter on a daily basis,” Interim Chief of Police Renee Dominguez said in a statement. “I commend the members of the New Haven Police Department who reacted quickly and calmly to resolve a dangerous situation.”

Talton is next due in court July 13, while Dawson will next appear July 28, the Register reported, citing state records.

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