Crime & Safety

Police: Teen Suffers Gunshot Wound After Brother Accidentally Shoots Him

The McHenry County Sheriff's Office is investigating accidental shooting that occurred Tuesday in the 9700 block of Wright Road in unincorporated Harvard.

A 15-year-old by was in stable condition Tuesday after his juvenile brother accidentally shot him with a .22 caliber rifle in unincorporated Harvard. 

Police were called to the home in the 9700 block of Wright Road at 11 a.m.

The brothers found the unsecured rifle and began playing with it — thinking it was unloaded — when the one brother pulled the trigger and shot his brother in the abdomen, according to the McHenry County Sheriff's Office press release

The boys were staying with adults at the residence while their parents were out of town, according to the news release. 

The victim was flown by REACT to Rockford Memorial where he is listed in stable condition undergoing surgery. 

The investigation is ongoing by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division, and no criminal charges have been filed at this time. The parents of the two juveniles have been notified.

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Following the incident, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is reminding gun owners of the importance of safely storing your firearms. Firearms should be stored unloaded, secured with a gun lock, and out of the reach of minors. 


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