5-year-old Critical after Being Shot by 8-year-old
On May 16, 2025, at 12:11 a.m., Officers responded to St. Joseph Medical Center after it was reported that a 5-year-old boy was brought in by his mother with a gunshot wound.
An initial investigation has revealed that the child was shot while in the care of a family member at a residence in the 500 block of Dover Street. At this time, it is
believed that an 8-year-old relative of the victim had accessed a handgun in a bedroom of the home and shot the 5-year-old victim, striking him in the abdomen.
The victim was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center by family members and was then airlifted to University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago in critical condition.
Detectives responded to the scene and hospital and interviewed all parties, including the 8-year- old child.
Officers recovered the handgun from the residence. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified.
No further information will be provided at this time as this case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information related to this shooting is encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at (815)724-3020.
They can also contact Will County Crime
Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or online at https://crimestoppersofwillcounty.org/ if they wish to remain anonymous.