New Haven police: 2- year- old points gun at detectives

NEW HAVEN — Two people were arrested June 25 on Dayton Street after their 2- year- old child allegedly pointed an unattended handgun at detectives, according to New Haven police.

Officer Scott Shumway said members of the department’s Shooting Task Force and Criminal Intelligence Unit, as well as officers from other task forces, conducted an investigation on Dayton Street at about 5: 30 a. m. on June 25.

“During the investigation, a 2- year- old pointed a semiautomatic 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 said. “The Department of Children and Families was notified and responded to the scene.”

Joshua Talton and Wanesha Dawson were arrested, Shumway said. They were held on $ 700,000 bond and $ 500,000 bond respectively.

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, Shumway said.

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

After their respective arraignments, Talton was held in lieu of $ 500,000 bond, while Dawson was released on a promise to appear, according to state judicial records.

Talton is next due in court July 13, while Dawson will next appear July 28, according to state records.

Acting Chief Renee Domnguez said the officers were primarily concerned about the safety of the toddler in the moment, rather than their own. She praised the officers for their response, saying they navigated a stressful situation amazingly well.

The incident demonstrates the varied nature of police work, she said.

She said the officers, already faced with the potential challenge of serving a search warrant, had been called on to react in the moment and, in doing so, demonstrate professionalism and calm.

“Nothing is ever how you anticipate the day going,” said Dominguez. “Nothing is routine.”

The stress and difficulty of the incident will likely linger for the officers involved and those around them, Dominguez said. These sort of incidents, particularly when they involve children, often strike police differently, she said.

“We always have to remember these officers are human,” said Dominguez.

It was unlikely the child had any conception they were holding a firearm, Dominguez said. It was left unattended within the child’s reach, she said.

“There is a 2- year- old ... and there’s an unsecured firearm,” Dominguez said. “What could have happened?”