By Jim Hagerty

Reporter

ROCKFORD — A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Saturday on the city’s west side.

Rockford Police Lt. Kurt Whisenand said shortly before 5 p.m., patrol officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of Fairview Avenue, where they located the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. Rockford Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

Foul play is not suspected and the shooting appears to have been an accident, Whisenand reported. However, the investigation was reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, and charges were authorized against a 16-year-old juvenile male who was with the victim at the time of the incident.

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The suspect was later lodged in the Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Because of his age, his identity is being withheld.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when it becomes available. R.