Joliet Teen Shoots Himself, Friend During 'Reckless Discharge': JPD

JOLIET, IL — Xavier Garcia, a Joliet teenager who shot himself and a 17-year-old acquaintance in the stomach on Tuesday night, is now in the Will County Jail facing several felony charges, according to Joliet police.

Garcia, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, now faces charges of reckless discharge of a gun, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, reckless conduct, unlawful possession of ammunition and having no FOID.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, the following events transpired in the 600 block of Clement Street:

• Around 10:40 p.m., Joliet police learned that two people were shot at a house.
• A 17-year-old boy suffered a gunshot to his abdomen, and Garcia was shot in the left hand.
• Garcia came to the residence with a .40 caliber handgun. While Garcia was handling the gun in a bedroom, it discharged a round, striking him in the left hand and the juvenile in the stomach.
• Both shooting victims were taken by Joliet Fire Department ambulance to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
• Garcia's handgun and ammunition were recovered by Joliet police.
• Garcia was later brought to the Joliet Police Department for processing after his release from the hospital.

Garcia comes from the 400 block of Franklin Street, jail logs show.