14-Year-Old Had Semiautomatic Gun In Public Park: Park Forest Police

PARK FOREST, IL — A 14-year-old boy was found with a loaded semiautomatic handgun Thursday in a Park Forest park, police said.

According to police, officers were called to Central Park Thursday at around 6:30 p.m. when a resident said they saw a young boy holding a gun.

When officers arrived, they found the teenager with a loaded semiautomatic handgun and an extended ammunition magazine in his waistband. Police told Patch they were able to take the boy into custody without incident and bring him to Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center while he awaits sentencing.

Last month, another 14-year-old boy was arrested with a loaded semiautomatic handgun and an ammunition magazine in his waistband.

Park Forest police did not immediately respond to questions on how the boys obtained the guns but said adults should always secure their firearms away from children.

"We urge parents to make sure their firearms are properly stored and secure from children," police said in a statement. "We'd also encourage parents to have a conversation with their children about how serious firearms are and the possible consequences associated with them."