Republished October 13, 2016 - 4:58 PM
Original Publication Date October 13, 2016 - 6:10 AM
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, 2016