Tinley Teen Shot In Face Files Lawsuit Against Friend's Parents

TINLEY PARK, IL — The 18-year-old who police say was shot in the face by his friend in October is now filing a lawsuit against the shooter's family.

Jayson Petrulis was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in critical condition, and later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment on Oct. 24, after police say his friend Robert Cannon, 18, pointed what was assumed to be an unloaded gun at Petrulis, firing a shot that hit Petrulis in the face.

Cannon was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and reckless conduct, according to police.

Petrulis is now taking legal action, seeking more than $50,000 in damages from Alvin and LaTonya Cannon, the parents of Robert, according to the lawsuit filed Nov. 16 in Will County Circuit Court.

The Cannon family is not due in court until Mar. 3, according to the filing.

Police said the shooting happened when Robert and several of his friends were hanging out in a bedroom at his house. Police said after Robert accidentally shot Petrulis in the face, officers arrived at the home around 12:06 a.m., after Alvin called to report the shooting. Petrulis was found in the bedroom with a single gunshot wound to the face.

Patch has reached out to Petrulis's attorney Gregory Ladle for comment but had not received a response as of Friday afternoon.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Petrulis's injury was first thought to be "a graze wound," but he ended up in intensive care at Loyola three weeks. The report said Petrulis may be suffering from potential long-term neurological damage.

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