A routine traffic stop in Minnesota turned alarming when a toddler in the back seat of a car reached into a diaper bag and pulled out a handgun. The incident highlights the dangers of leaving firearms accessible to young children.
Traffic Stop Turns Unexpected
On May 11, 2026, 36-year-old Kenneth Terry was pulled over in St. Paul for a seatbelt violation. When officers approached the vehicle, they discovered Terry had active warrants, prompting backup to arrive at the scene.
While waiting with Terry and his three young children— all under the age of three— an officer noticed one child climbing into a diaper bag to grab a tissue for a sibling. That’s when the toddler found a handgun and showed it to the officer.
Gun Recovered Safely
The officer quickly recovered the gun. While the firearm had six rounds in its magazine, there was no round in the chamber. The child allegedly pointed to the diaper bag when asked where the gun came from.
Charges and Legal Action
Terry was charged with two misdemeanours:
- Endangering a child by allowing access to a firearm
- Possessing a pistol without a permit in a public area
Court records indicate Terry had placed the gun by the diaper bag after receiving death threats and claimed he had it for protection. He was sent to Ramsey County Jail with bail set at $5,000.
Child Safety Concerns
The incident is a stark reminder of the importance of storing firearms securely, especially around children. Authorities hope Terry’s children are now in a safe and nurturing environment while the case proceeds.
