Teen Shot With High-Powered Air Rifle During Toilet Paper Prank: Will County Sheriff

JOLIET, IL — A 17-year-old was shot with what investigators believe was a high-powered air rifle after two groups of teenagers went to toilet paper homes near Joliet, authorities said.

According to the Will County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to Byrum Road and Hel Mar Lane in the Crystal Lawns subdivision in unincorporated Joliet around 9:50 p.m. on Friday for a reported shooting.

Investigators said one group of teenagers went to toilet-paper a home on Hel Mar Lane when residents confronted them and an altercation followed. The teens were able to leave, but their car was damaged during the incident, according to the sheriff's office.

A second, unrelated group of teenagers had parked near Byrum Road and Hel Mar Lane to toilet-paper a different home, authorities said.

As they got out of their car, the 17-year-old and other witnesses reported seeing at least three people approaching from the north and what appeared to be lasers pointed toward them. The teenagers quickly returned to their vehicle, where the 17-year-old said he had been shot.

Investigators believe a high-powered air rifle was used. The teenager suffered injuries to his chest and lung area that were not considered life-threatening, but he was being transferred to Loyola as a precaution.

No charges have been filed, and the shooting remains under investigation.

In a statement released Friday, Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley warned that toilet papering homes and businesses, while sometimes viewed as a prank, can lead to dangerous confrontations.