Bail Set At $250K For Grayslake Teen In Accidental Shooting Of Girl, 2

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Bail has been set at $250,000 for a Grayslake teen who faces charges after a 2-year-old child was accidentally shot at a home in Vernon Hills last week.

Joseph Hatchett, 19, remains behind bars Wednesday afternoon, according to online jail records. He appeared for a bond hearing Monday where bail was set at $250,000. He needs to post 10 percent of that, or $25,000, to be released on bond.

Hatchett faces reckless conduct and endangering the life of a child charges in connection with the incident, which was reported at about 2:15 p.m. Friday at a home in the 300 block of Plumwood Lane in Vernon Hills.

Authorities were initially told the child had been injured by fireworks, according to a news release from the Vernon Hills Police Department.

During an investigation, police determined the 2-year-old girl had been shot.

Hatchett and his girlfriend, the girl's 17-year-old aunt, were babysitting the 2-year-old girl and her two brothers, ages 3 and 6 years old, at the time of the shooting, police said.

The girl was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and then flown to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago for injuries that are considered serious but not life-threatening, according to the news release. She remains hospitalized, authorities said.

Meanwhile, the girl's siblings have been removed from their home pending further investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services, authorities said.

The incident, which happened on National Gun Awareness Day, is a "jarring reminder" as to why "all gun owners must store their firearms in a safe and responsible manner," said Vernon Hills Police Department Chief Patrick Kreis.

"I encourage all members of the community to discuss gun safety with their children and all gun owners to re-commit themselves to the highest standards of safety," Kreis said.