2-Year-Old Shot Himself In Face, Airlifted To Chicago: Joliet PD

JOLIET, IL — A 2-year-old boy on Joliet's west side suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound on Tuesday afternoon when he shot himself in the face with a handgun, Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English announced. A Joliet Fire Department ambulance rushed the boy to St. Joe's hospital, where he was in critical condition.

The shooting happened around 12:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Comstock Street. By Tuesday night, the boy was airlifted to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.

Joliet Police detectives determined that the 2-year-old child appeared to have shot himself in the face after accessing an unsecured and loaded handgun in the bedroom, English said.

The child’s mother was in the home and was caring for another child at the time of the incident. The victim's mother is cooperating with the investigation, English said.

Joliet Police Detectives continue to investigate the incident. Further information regarding the boy's condition and the investigation will be provided once it becomes available, Joliet police noted.