Teen Charged After Accidentally Shooting Friend In Face: Police

TINLEY PARK, IL — Police said an 18-year-old accidentally shot his friend in the face on Oct. 25 after pointing and firing a gun he believed to be unloaded.

Robert A. Cannon, 18, of the 8400 block of Brookpoint Court in Tinley Park, was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and reckless conduct, according to police.

Police said Cannon and several of his friends were hanging out in a bedroom when Cannon pointed what he thought was an unloaded gun at his friend and fired one round.

According to police, officials arrived at the home at 12:06 a.m. after the homeowner called to report that his son had accidentally shot his friend. The friend was found in the bedroom with a single gunshot wound to the face.

Officials said the friend was taken to Silver Cross Hospital and later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment. He is in critical but stable condition, according to police. Police say they will not release the friend's age.

Cannon was booked into Will County Circuit Court. Bond has been set at $10,000, according to police.

Charges are merely allegations, not evidence of guilt. No one charged with a crime is guilty until proven so in a court of law.