Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

A West Bloomfield woman has been charged after allegedly leaving a loaded gun in her 3-year-old’s backpack.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced on Wednesday that 34-year-old Kelly Reid was charged with reckless use of a firearm.

According to authorities, Reid dropped her 3-year-old off at a Royal Oak daycare center on May 14 and gave staff a backpack that she said had a snack for the child in it. When an employee opened the backpack, they reportedly found a loaded handgun.

Reid had allegedly placed the gun in the backpack to carry it to and from her car, but failed to remove it before dropping off the child.

“I’m grateful this is a story about a misdemeanor charge instead of a tragedy,” McDonald said. “A loaded gun needs to be secured. Failing to do so around small children is absolutely reckless. The employee who found the gun should be commended for quickly securing it and contacting police.”

Reckless use of a firearm is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and or a $500 fee. Authorities said the court may also suspend hunting privileges for up to three years.