LOCAL: Prosecutors Say Intoxicated Man Accidentally Shot 14-Year-Old Sister With Machine Gun in North Chicago

Prosecutors allege an 18-year-old North Chicago man with reported gang ties and currently on probation for a prior machine gun possession case was intoxicated when he accidentally shot his 14-year-old sister, leaving her in need of surgery.

Eddie Guzman-Alvarado has been charged with armed violence, possession of a machine gun, reckless discharge of a firearm, manufacturing or delivery of 1 to 15 grams of cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance.

According to authorities, officers with the North Chicago Police Department and North Chicago Fire Department responded around 5:14 p.m. Sunday to the 2400 block of Arrington Way in North Chicago after reports of a shooting.

Responding officers located a 14-year-old girl suffering from a single gunshot wound to her arm, according to North Chicago Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn. She was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

Investigators later determined the girl had been shot inside the home by her brother, identified as Guzman-Alvarado. Police said the circumstances leading up to the firearm discharging remain under investigation.

Guzman-Alvarado was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Courthouse.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition seeking to hold him in custody pending trial, arguing he posed a danger to the community.

During Wednesday’s detention hearing, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Moy said Guzman-Alvarado appeared heavily intoxicated at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors also alleged officers recovered approximately 14 grams of cocaine and nearly $2,000 in cash from him.

Moy further stated Guzman-Alvarado is affiliated with the Latin Kings and had been flagged as “armed and dangerous” in a pretrial services assessment.

Prosecutors said the victim required surgery to reconstruct her elbow due to the injury.

Following the hearing, Michael Nerheim granted the state’s petition to detain Guzman-Alvarado, citing concerns for public safety and noting he was already on probation in a prior machine gun possession case.

Guzman-Alvarado remains in custody at the Lake County Jail and is scheduled to return to court on May 15 for a preliminary hearing.