Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Police: 3-year-old fatally shoots self in Chicago suburb

WAUKEGAN, Ill. – Authorities say the gunshot that killed a 3-year-old suburban Chicago boy was self-inflicted.

Waukegan police say in a statement that the boy found his father’s gun 9 mm semi-automatic gun on a dresser in his parents’ bedroom when he awoke early Thursday. He took the gun into the living room of his home and accidentally shot himself in the head.

The child was taken to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, where he was pronounced dead. The Lake County coroner’s office identified the boy as Jeremiah Banks.

Authorities say his father had a valid firearm owner’s identification card.

The police statement said the Lake County state’s attorney’s office will decide later whether charges will be filed. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is also looking into the shooting.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.