Chicago shooting: 5-year-old boy shot in head, critically injured at apartment on South Greenwood Avenue in Kenwood, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A young boy was shot and critically injured Sunday at an apartment on the city’s South Side.

A local pastor spoke with the child’s family and said it appeared to be an accidental shooting.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The shooting happened around 1:17 p.m. in the 4400 block of South Greenwood Avenue in Kenwood, Chicago police said.

The victim, a 5-year-old boy, was inside an apartment at the location when he was shot in the head, police said.

The boy was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

The family of the child has been in communication with a local pastor at the hospital. Pastor Donovan Price expressed that, although the child has suffered a gunshot wound to the head, the family remains hopeful for a recovery.

Pastor Price spent a couple of hours at the hospital with the child’s family.

“It appears that the gunshot was self-inflicted by the child who managed to access the gun,” Price commented. “This seems to be a heartbreaking accident. Such a lovely family. It’s one of those incidents you always hope to avoid, but sadly, a single misstep can lead to tragedy.”

The exact circumstances of the shooting were not immediately known.

Investigators were still at the building late Sunday afternoon, where they said a weapon was recovered.

No one was in custody as Chicago police continue to investigate.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Social Security recipients face looming benefit cuts. Can the program be saved?

Social Security Benefit Cuts Loom: Can Congress Save the Program in Time?

Social Security is heading toward a major financial deadline: its trust fund…
Senior US officials dictate memorandum with Iran to journalists+

US Officials Quietly Shape Iran Memorandum Through Journalist Briefings

Senior U.S. officials on Wednesday briefed reporters on the memorandum of understanding…
Jeanine Pirro calls out 'dirtbags' after 14 charged in alleged cocaine ring operating feet from a schoolyard

Jeanine Pirro Slams Alleged Cocaine Ring Near Schoolyard as 14 Are Charged

Jeanine Pirro reveals DC police officers manipulated crime stats to make city…
Barry Moore Wins Runoff for Tuberville's Senate Seat, Despite a 'Dewey Defeats Truman' Snafu

Barry Moore Secures Tuberville’s Senate Seat in Runoff, Despite Election-Night Reporting Mix-Up

Alabama Republicans headed into a runoff for the U.S. Senate between Rep.…
Chicago crime: Suspect Merlin Lu, 21, charged with hate crime, arson for burning cross in Grant Park, police say

Chicago Police Charge 21-Year-Old Merlin Lu With Hate Crime, Arson After Cross Burning in Grant Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 21-year-old Chicago man is facing a series of…
Jonathan Wilson charged in Uptown, Chicago police shooting on Argyle after condo board president shot, killed: CPD

Jonathan Wilson charged after fatal shooting of condo board president in Uptown, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 38-year-old Chicago man is facing multiple felony charges,…
Pixar's new curly hair technology in 'Toy Story 5' advances diversity in the animation space

Toy Story 5’s New Curly Hair Technology Marks a Major Leap for Diversity in Animation

LOS ANGELES — Pixar is once again pushing its animation tools forward,…
Pence: Trump's Iran Deal 'Smacks of Appeasement'

Pence Says Trump’s Iran Deal Approach ‘Smacks of Appeasement’

Former Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s emerging deal…
G7 leaders back Trump's plan to end Iran war that faces skepticism at home

G7 Leaders Endorse Trump’s Iran War Exit Plan Amid Skepticism at Home

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — Leaders at the Group of Seven summit on Wednesday…
Coast Guard opens fire on boat smuggling 25 Chinese nationals near Florida after it refused to stop

US Coast Guard Fires on Smuggling Boat Carrying 25 Chinese Migrants Off Florida After Pursuit

The U.S. Coast Guard fired on a boat off the Florida coast…
Chicago family's journey sparks national movement focused on understanding transgender, non-binary youth

Chicago Family’s Story Inspires National Push to Better Understand Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Pride Month is celebrated across the country, one…
Man killed after horse-drawn carriage bolts and flips near popular New York City tourist destination

Man Dies After Horse-Drawn Carriage Flips Near Central Park in New York City

An 18-year-old tourist from India was killed Wednesday after a horse-drawn carriage…