Indiana Teen Critical After Bullet Likely Fired As Firework Falls On Him

HAMMOND, IN — An Indiana teen is in critical condition after police say he was struck by a falling bullet that someone nearby had fired into the sky.

The incident happened Saturday as a group of boys were playing basketball outdoors. The 13-year-old boy who was struck by the bullet suddenly fell down and witnesses on scene initially believed the boy might have had a seizure and called for an ambulance.

The boy was taken to Comer's Children's Hospital in Chicago where he is in critical condition.

Police say the bullet was likely fired into the air like a firework.

"Unfortunately, this is a common action by many people who own guns in our city and they need to know this action has consequences and will be dealt with severely by the Hammond Police Department. We ask the public to please keep your Fourth of July celebrations to the use of legal fireworks only," police said in a statement. "We want to remind the public that it is never legal to discharge a firearm within city limits. If you own a firearm, it is not to be used as part of a celebration. We also urge the public to immediately call 911 and report anyone they believe is firing a firearm as part of a celebration this holiday season."

Anyone with information about someone shooting a firearm Saturday evening is encouraged to call Detective Lieutenant Mark Tharp at (219) 852-2988 or Detective Sergeant Mark Ferry at (219) 852-2991.

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