On Friday, October 6th, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the DeKalb Police Department received a call regarding an 18 year old, male victim that had been shot while walking in the area of 8th and Oak Street(s). Officers responded to the area, located the victim, and determined he had been shot. The victim was transported to Kishwaukee Community Hospital by DeKalb Fire/Paramedics, where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the chest that was considered to be non-life threatening.
The victim was conscious throughout his contact with the police and identified the subject who had allegedly shot him. The suspect was located by police shortly after the incident was reported, in the vicinity where the shooting had reportedly taken place. The suspect, along with other persons of interest, were detained and an investigation ensued. The suspect denied involvement in the shooting, which was corroborated by the statements of other witnesses, and his activities at the time of the shooting were documented through security videos at various locations. Based on the evidence gathered by the police, it was determined that he could not have committed the crime.
The subsequent investigation determined that the victim had been accidently shot by a 16 year old, male juvenile associate. The victim concocted a false account of the incident and placed blame on the person he originally identified as the suspect. The juvenile involved in this incident has been charged with Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (Class 4 Felony), he was taken into custody and transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Facility. Through diligent police work and the cooperation of the person originally identified as the suspect, the victim’s report of being shot was deemed to be false. The DeKalb Police Department is further investigating this incident, as well as other recent shootings that may be connected.
The DeKalb Police want to assure the community that the timely and effective police response prevented any imminent danger to the community. The DeKalb Police Department needs the help of our community to address crime, especially violent crime. The Police ask that if you see something suspicious, say something by reporting it to the police.
