Boy, 3, Accidentally Killed Himself With Father's Gun In Waukegan
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 3-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself early Thursday while playing with his father's gun in north suburban Waukegan.
Police and fire authorities responded to a report of a child shot shortly before 3 a.m. Thursday at a home in the 1100 block of Greenfield Avenue. A 3-year-old boy was found inside the home with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to Vista West Medical Center in Waukegan, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said they believe the boy, identified as Jeremiah Banks, went into his parents' bedroom early Thursday, and found his father's 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the dresser. The boy then took the gun into the living room, where the gun went off, and a bullet struck him in the head.
Investigators found a second weapon, a rifle, in the home, and confiscated it. Police said Jeremiah's father has a valid FOID card.
No charges had been filed as of late Thursday night, but police planned to meet with Lake County prosecutors to determine if any charges should be filed.