Charges Possible After Teen Accidentally Shoots Himself In Leg

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 17-year-old boy was seriously injured when he accidentally shot himself in his leg Saturday afternoon in Lake County.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office was called to the incident on West Rose Avenue in unincorporated Mundelein at about 2:50 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

When deputies arrived, they found the boy with a gunshot wound to his left leg. The boy initially said he was standing outside with two friends when a vehicle approached the three and someone inside the car shot at them, according to the news release.

After investigating the incident further, deputies learned the boy had a gun and accidentally shot himself in the leg, police said. No one shot at the three boys, and the boys' two friends left the area after the incident.

Deputies found two guns that were discarded near a Dumpster by the boys, according to the news release.

The teen was transported to an area hospital for treatment of an injury that is not considered life-threatening.

The incident remains under investigation and criminal charges are possible.