Gun Discharges Behind Joliet Barbershop, 2 Hospitalized

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department said an accidental shooting happened Wednesday evening behind a barbershop in the 1000 block of West Jefferson Street. The two shooting victims were driven to the St. Joe's hospital emergency room in personal vehicles, and their injuries are not considered life-threatening, according to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English.

He said that officers were sent to St. Joe's hospital around 5:15 p.m. for two gunshot victims.

A preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred behind a barbershop in the 1000 block of West Jefferson. English told Joliet Patch that both people who suffered gunshot wounds had been at the barbershop prior to the shooting.

"Officers determined that as an adult victim was handling a 9mm handgun, it accidentally discharged striking him in the left ring finger and the same round struck an additional male adult victim in the right leg," English announced.

He said both gunshot victims were transported to St. Joe's hospital in private vehicles. The handgun was recovered by Joliet police officers at the barbershop.

English told Patch that the shooting remains under investigation.

Joliet resident Bob Hernandez went to the scene and produced one of his Facebook Live videos for his followers.