Teen hospitalized after gun accident

The city’s latest shooting involves children; teens who police say were home alone with a loaded gun.

Children were seen riding their bikes and walking the sidewalks, dozens of them talking and playing together. But Saturday afternoon a game of gunplay at a home on the city's southwest side landed one child in a hospital emergency room.

It appears to be a child friendly neighborhood. Evidence of children is everywhere. But instead of playing, boys were sitting in patrol cars Saturday being questioned about what happened in the 5800 block of Coppock Drive.

“Clearly 13-year olds and firearms don’t mix," IMPD Capt. Craig Fishburn said.

Police say at least two 13-year old boys were playing drums inside this house when one of them found a loaded handgun.

“I understand it was in a gun case I don’t know if it was locked," said Capt. Fishburn.

Police say the 13-year-old handling the gun fired it hitting another 13-year-old boy in the lower stomach area.

“At this time it appears to be an accidental shooting involving a number of 13 year olds who were in the home," Capt. Fishburn explained.

There were no adults in the home at the time.

Police said the homeowner learned what happened in a phone call and returned to his home immediately. Clearly distraught, police said the homeowner learned a lesson that officers hope other parents also learn.

“Please make sure that all firearms are secured; that these youngsters don’t have access to these guns," Capt. Fishburn said.

Investigators said the injured 13-year-old is not facing life-threatening injuries and should fully recover.

Right now, no one is facing criminal charges. Detectives are still investigating. Once the investigation is complete, detectives will turn the case over to prosecutors for review. The prosecutor will determine whether to file criminal charges.