Police: Friend arrested after 2-year-old shoots himself with unsecured gun in Joliet

JOLIET, Illinois — A man was taken into custody Wednesday morning after a toddler seriously injured himself with an unsecured gun last month.

Shortly after 12:15 p.m. on September 27, police responded to reports of a shooting at a home on the 300 block of Comstock Street.

Police said a 2-year-old boy found an unsecured gun and shot himself in the face. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and continues to be treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Sensei Bennett, 26, of Joliet, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant for the following charges; Endangering the life or health of a child, illegal possession of a weapon and reckless behavior.

He was arrested at an apartment building in Morris and is the child’s mother’s boyfriend, police said.

Police said the boy has improved and medical staff remain hopeful he will continue to make progress.