Cranston father charged with accidentally shooting 4-year-old son held without bail

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A Cranston father accused of accidentally shooting his 4-year-old son appeared in court on Wednesday.

Michael Jones, 33, was held without bail for a previous violation related to a DUI sentence.

In relation to the charges connected to the shooting, Jones was held on a $50,000 bail with surety.

Jones’ 4-year-old son is in critical condition at Hasbro Children’s Hospital after he was shot in the head Tuesday morning.

An attorney said in court Wednesday that he suffered a traumatic brain injury and is still undergoing procedures.

Michael Jones, accused of shooting his 4-year-old son at their Cranston home, appears in court, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. (WLNE)

According to Police Chief Michael Winquist, Jones says he was handling a loaded gun on the second floor of their Queen Street home when he accidentally discharged the weapon.

The bullet went through a wall and hit his child in an adjacent room.

The boy’s grandfather, who lives on the first floor, called 911 for help.

Jones was arrested and charged with felony assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and firing in a compact area.

Cranston police tape off part of Queen Street after a child was shot, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (WLNE)

Police later obtained a search warrant for the home and found a loaded 9mm handgun.

Winquist said Jones was convicted of felony assault last summer and was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence and probation, making him prohibited from owning a gun.

Jones will be prosecuted by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office for violating his suspended sentence.

He is due back in court for a violation hearing next Thursday.

Jones will appear in court in connection to the shooting in January 2024.