Toddler Allegedly Pulled Loaded Handgun From Diaper Bag During St. Paul Traffic Stop, Complaint Says
Published: May 14th 2026
SAINT PAUL MN: A St. Paul man is facing gross misdemeanor charges after a toddler allegedly pulled a loaded handgun from a diaper bag during a traffic stop in Saint Paul, according to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court.
According to the complaint, officers watched as one of three children inside the vehicle reached into a Mickey Mouse diaper bag for a tissue before turning toward an officer while holding a Taurus handgun loaded with six rounds in its magazine.
Kenneth Ray Terry has been charged with child endangerment involving firearm access and carrying a pistol in public without a permit.
The complaint states officers stopped a Chevrolet Traverse around 2:15 p.m. on May 11 near Thomas Avenue and Galtier Street after observing the driver not wearing a seatbelt. Officers identified the driver as Terry, who allegedly said he did not have a driver’s license.
Police reportedly discovered Terry had active warrants for his arrest. Additional officers responded, and one officer observed Terry reaching toward the back seat area where three children under the age of 3 were seated.
After Terry was taken into custody, officers allegedly noticed one of the children was not properly buckled into a seat and was crying. Another child then climbed toward the diaper bag on the floorboard and retrieved the handgun, according to the complaint.
The complaint states officers instructed the child to place the firearm down on a vehicle seat before recovering it. Investigators said the handgun did not have a round in the chamber but contained six rounds in the magazine.
According to the complaint, the child pointed to the diaper bag when officers asked where the firearm came from.
After being advised of his rights, Terry allegedly told police he had obtained the handgun for protection because he had been receiving death threats. The complaint states Terry told officers he placed the firearm near the diaper bag because he had been pulled over.
Authorities say Terry does not have a permit to carry a firearm.
The child endangerment charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. The firearm permit charge also carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.