A 17-year-old was arrested on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on Peoria’s East Bluff last weekend that resulted in an 8-year-old boy suffering a gunshot wound to the head.
According to Sgt. Amy Dotson, the teen was apprehended near the intersection of Kansas Street and Indiana Avenue at 3:20 p.m. without any resistance. He has been booked into the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center on charges including reckless discharge of a firearm, reckless conduct, and endangering the life and health of a child. As of now, it remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed against him in Peoria County Circuit Court.
The police were alerted to the situation when they received a report about a young boy being shot in the 700 block of East Kansas Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the 8-year-old outside a residence, suffering from a critical gunshot wound to the head. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital where his condition was classified as life-threatening. Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria confirmed on Sunday night that the boy was in critical condition, but since then, no further updates have been provided by the police regarding his health status.
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In connection with the same incident, 26-year-old Micah Stitts was charged in court with a misdemeanor count of endangering the life and health of a child. He is accused of leaving a firearm unattended on a table while several children were present. If convicted, Stitts could face up to one year in the Peoria County Jail and a potential fine of $2,500. Probation remains a possible outcome as well.
This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of firearm negligence and underscores the importance of strict gun safety measures, especially in homes with children. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
