2-year-old girl accidentally shot in Vernon Hills home
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Vernon Hills Police are investigating the shooting of a 2-year-old girl that was initially reported as a fireworks accident.
Someone called for help Friday afternoon around 2:15, claiming the girl was somehow injured by fireworks. It happened in the 300 block of Plumwood Lane.
Officers later determined she was shot.
Investigators found a loaded semi-automatic pistol on a bed inside the home.
They believe the shooting was an accident.
The girl was airlifted to Chicago for specialized care but is expected to survive.
The victim and her 3-year-old and 6-year-old brothers were being cared for by their 17-year-old aunt and her 19-year-old boyfriend at the time.
The 19-year-old, Joseph Hatchett, of Grayslake, now faces one count of reckless conduct, a felony charge, and endangering the life of a child, a misdemeanor. Additional charges are pending continued investigation, police said.
The shooting occurred on National Gun Violence Awareness Day.