Woman Shot Boyfriend Accidentally In Casino Parking Lot: Police

DES PLAINES, IL — A Chicago woman is being charged with two misdemeanors after police say she accidentally shot her boyfriend early Saturday morning in the parking lot of the Rivers Casino Des Plaines. The 41-year-old is accused of reckless conduct and possession of a concealed firearm under the influence of alcohol. She is due back in court on Dec. 1

According to police, at 12:51 a.m. Saturday, a Des Plaines police officer patrolling the casino parking lot at 3000 S. River Road was flagged down by the woman as she requested an ambulance for her boyfriend, who had been shot. Police found a man sitting between two vehicles, having sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh.

The officer provided medical aid and the Des Plaines Fire Department responded to the scene. The male was taken to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening injury

Police said the two were both were highly intoxicated and uncooperative. A further investigation revealed that upon arriving at the casino a short time before the shooting, the woman, her boyfriend and her brother were sitting in the casino parking lot in the woman's 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, drinking alcohol and listening to music. She was seated was in the passenger seat, while her boyfriend was in the driver’s seat and her brother in the rear.

They were going to exit the vehicle, when police say she took her loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm out of her purse to put it in the center console and the gun fired, striking her boyfriend in the leg.

Police said the woman is legally licensed to conceal carry and upon a search of the vehicle the Smith and Wesson 9mm was recovered.