Full Breakdown
St. Paul Man Charged After Toddler Retrieves Handgun from Diaper Bag During Traffic Stop
5/25/2026, 5:53:46 AM
Incident Summary
On Monday afternoon, St. Paul police stopped a vehicle on Thomas Avenue near Galtier Street after observing the driver, a 37-year-old man, not wearing a seat belt. The driver apologized for not wearing his seat belt and admitted he did not have a valid driver’s license. Three children under three years old occupied the back seat; one child was unbuckled and crying. A second child reached for a tissue in a diaper bag on the floorboard, turned toward an officer, and was holding a handgun. The officer instructed the child to place the firearm on the car seat, after which the weapon was recovered. The gun had an empty chamber but a six-round magazine.
Legal Charges & Bail
The driver faces two gross misdemeanor counts: endangerment of a child by firearm access and carrying a pistol without a permit. Bail has been set at $5,000. The complaint notes the firearm’s status and the presence of six rounds in the magazine. Police also learned the driver had outstanding warrants at the time of the stop.
Official Response & Investigation
St. Paul Police records indicate the driver’s warrants prompted his arrest following the traffic stop. The department’s complaint outlines the endangerment charge and cites the driver’s statement that he kept the gun for personal protection after receiving death threats. Officers recovered the weapon without incident and placed the child safely on the seat. No additional arrests were made beyond the driver.
On-the-Ground Observations
Officers reported that the child initially reached for a tissue, then turned toward the officer while holding the handgun. The officer’s immediate instruction to place the gun on the seat prevented further escalation. The child’s unbuckled status and crying were also noted as safety concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not specify the exact age of the child who handled the firearm, nor does it disclose the nature of the driver’s outstanding warrants. No eyewitness accounts beyond the officers’ statements are provided.
Implications & Next Steps
The incident highlights legal risks associated with unsecured firearms in vehicles carrying minors. Minnesota law classifies endangerment of a child by firearm access as a gross misdemeanor. The driver remains in custody pending court proceedings. The driver said he placed the gun by the diaper bag because he anticipated being pulled over. Law enforcement may further investigate the circumstances surrounding the driver’s reported death threats and the firearm’s origin.
