Overview

• A 5-year-old boy was shot in the abdomen by his 8-year-old relative at a home in Joliet, Illinois, early Friday morning.
• The critically injured child was initially taken to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center before being airlifted to University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital
• Police determined the shooting occurred in a family member’s home on the 500 block of Dover Street after the 8-year-old gained access to a handgun in a bedroom.
• Detectives have interviewed all involved parties, including the 8-year-old, and notified the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
• Authorities have not disclosed how the child obtained the firearm or whether charges will be filed, as the investigation remains ongoing.