By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Essex and Union County are investigating an incident that left a teen boy shot in Hillside overnight.
According to Hillside Police Chief Vincent Ricciardi, at approximately 11:00 p.m., police received a report of attempted burglaries to motor vehicles on Compton Terrace.
Chief Ricciardi said in the area of Belleview Terrace and Highland Avenue (only blocks away from police headquarters), three males were located, and a field stop was attempted.
The suspects reportedly ran north on Highland Avenue as officers pursued them on foot.
During the foot pursuit, Chief Ricciardi said officers heard a gunshot. As cops arrived at 1527 Highland Avenue, they discovered a 16-year-old male from Newark lying on the ground.
The injured boy told the officers, "I shot myself,” Chief Ricciardi said.
Police found a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun containing illegal hollow point bullets in the boy’s waistband.
Chief Ricciardi said Hillside Officers called for EMS and began providing first aid to the juvenile.
Upon the arrival of Hillside Fire EMS, the teen was stabilized and then transported to University Hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
According to Chief Ricciardi, officers located a second 16-year-old male from Newark. He was transported to police headquarters and released to a parent pending further investigation.
Hillside Police charged the juvenile who shot himself is charged with juvenile delinquency, resisting arrest/eluding, unlawful possession of a weapon, and illegal possession of hollow point bullets.
