STORY YOUMISSED
Community outreach workers distribute free gun locks following a terrifying incident that left a young boy fighting for his life.
A tragic shooting on Chicago’s South Side leaves a 4-year-old boy fighting for his life in critical condition.
The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon inside a home in the 2200 block of East 99th Street.
That block sits in the heart of the Jeffrey Manor neighborhood within the city’s Area 2 police jurisdiction.
Family members inside the residence dialed 911 to request emergency assistance after the child sustained injuries.
The initial emergency call contained conflicting details by only reporting that the toddler suffered a bleeding injury.
First responders arrived at the scene and discovered that the young boy suffered a gunshot wound to his head.
Investigators determined that the 4-year-old found an unsecured, loaded handgun inside the residence and shot himself.
Responding officers recovered the handgun from the scene shortly after arriving at the South Side home.
The child remained remarkably alert despite suffering a severe bullet wound to his head.
Paramedics rushed the young victim to Comer Children’s Hospital for specialized pediatric trauma care.
Medical staff listed the boy in critical condition as doctors work to stabilize his injuries.
Chicago police officers shifted their immediate focus to supporting the child’s recovery while detectives opened a full inquiry.
Area 2 detectives are actively investigating the scene to determine who owns the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not revealed how many adults or other children occupied the home when the weapon discharged.
Community leader Pastor Donovan Price expressed deep concern for the long-term mental and physical trauma the child faces.
Local outreach groups acted quickly to address safety concerns across the surrounding Jeffrey Manor neighborhood.
Crisis workers scheduled a public outreach event for 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday to hand out free gun locks to residents.
Police reported no arrests or formal charges in connection with the unsecured weapon as of Tuesday evening.
Detectives urge anyone with relevant information about the firearm to contact Area 2 investigators immediately.
