A 13-year-old boy is recovering after accidentally shooting himself in the hand Tuesday night in Chicago's East Garfield Park, according to police. The injury was not considered life-threatening, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.
FOX 32 Chicago, citing the Chicago Police Department, reports the shot was fired around 7:30 p.m. in the 500 block of North Central Park Boulevard on the West Side. Paramedics with the Chicago Fire Department treated the teen at the scene before transporting him to the hospital, where he was listed in good condition. Officers recovered a firearm at the location, and Area Four detectives have opened an investigation.
West Side context
The incident comes as East Garfield Park has seen multiple recent shootings, including a fatal case earlier this week, as reported by ABC7 Chicago. Local coverage notes that first responders and detectives have been working a string of West Side shootings that have kept investigators busy.
What Illinois law says about gun access
Illinois law makes it unlawful to store or leave a firearm on premises under one’s control if a minor under 14 is likely to gain access and then causes death or great bodily harm, unless the weapon is properly secured. Penalties can range from fines to criminal charges. The statute’s child protection provisions are outlined in 720 ILCS 5/24‑9 (Justia).
Police update
Police have not released the boy’s name or any information about who owns the firearm. Detectives also have not yet indicated whether any charges might be filed, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The investigation remains active.
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