GUN VIOLENCE

2-year-old struck in head by stray bullet at Spanish Fork day care

May 23, 2023, 9:52 AM | Updated: May 24, 2023, 8:42 am

SPANISH FORK, Utah — Police are investigating after a toddler was hit in the head by a stray bullet at a Utah County day care facility.

Lt. Cory Slaymaker with the Spanish Fork Police Department said several children were playing in a fenced day care area located near 2000 North and 300 West on Monday when one boy appeared to stumble and was seen bleeding from his face.

The daycare notified the boy’s parents, who took the toddler to Utah Valley Hospital for treatment. Police said doctors discovered through scans that the boy had a small caliber bullet lodged in their head. He was transferred to Primary Children’s Hospital for further treatment and was in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.

“I still feel like I’m in shock,” said Lane Mugleston, who owns Leap Ahead Daycare with his wife. “We are absolutely surprised. We are dumbfounded that this would happen in Spanish Fork.”

Mugleston said they never thought that a stray bullet was the reason why the 2-year-old was bleeding from his face.

“Initially, we thought he just had tripped and hit his head,” he said.

Lane Mugleston, owner of Leap Ahead Daycare, showing the bullet hole left in the fence. (KSL TV)

On Wednesday, detectives announced they had identified a man who was shooting birds with a .22-caliber air rifle in the open fields that are west of the day care. Police said the man is cooperating as their investigation continues and the case will be sent to the Spanish Fork city prosecutor’s office for review of any charges.

The person of interest will not be named unless formal charges are filed.

“We do not believe that this was a targeted incident,” Slaymaker said. “We feel like this was more of an accident, and the person that probably did it doesn’t even know that they did it.”

Detectives found a small hole in the vinyl fence surrounding the daycare center that may have been caused by the bullet that hit the boy.

Police were notified Tuesday that doctors have decided to leave the bullet in the boy’s head for fear of causing further damage if the boy undergoes surgery to remove it.

“The doctors are monitoring him, and they said that his vitals are good and expect a full recovery,” Mugleston said. “So they think that that’s a blessing.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Gun Violence

Las Vegas police stand near the scene of a shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Thursda...

Elizabeth Wolfe, Taylor Romine, Jay Croft and Alaa Elassar, CNN

‘Target list,’ ammo and conspiracy theories: Authorities reveal details on gunman who killed 3 UNLV faculty members

The 67-year-old career college professor who fatally shot three faculty members this week at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, kept a “target list” of faculty at the school and elsewhere, said authorities searching for a motive.

1 day ago

A University of Nevada, Las Vegas, student talks on his cellphone after a shooting reported on camp...

Dan Rascon and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Nervous UNLV students return to campus after fatal shooting

UNLV students and teachers describe the terrifying moments of the mass shooting that killed three faculty members on Wednesday.

2 days ago

A vigil was held on Dec. 7, 2023 for the 435 Utahns killed by guns in 2023. The group running the v...

Alex Cabrero

Sandy vigil honors 435 Utahns killed by guns in 2023

A vigil held on Dec. 7, 2023 honored the lives lost of 435 Utahns killed by guns in 2023.

2 days ago

A training video of an active shooter scenario produced by the University of Utah for students, sta...

Marjorie Cortez, Deseret News

How have University of Utah police prepared for an attack like the one at UNLV?

The University of Utah is prepared for an active aggressor event, like the one that occurred on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.

2 days ago

A man already accused of killing another man in a Salt Lake parking lot has now been linked to a do...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Salt Lake murder suspect tied to second downtown shooting, police say

A Salt Lake murder suspect already in custody was tied to a second downtown shooting that injured one person in June.

2 days ago

Law enforcement officers head into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, campus after reports of an ...

Ken Ritter and Rio Yamat, Associated Press

Police say 3 dead, fourth wounded and shooter also dead in UNLV attack in Las Vegas

Three people were fatally shot Wednesday and a fourth person was critically wounded in an attack on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, police said. The suspected shooter also was found dead.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

2-year-old struck in head by stray bullet at Spanish Fork day care