Boy in ‘very critical’ condition after being shot in the face Saturday in Leavittsburg

LEAVITTSBURG — A Cleveland boy, 15, is clinging to life in Cleveland MetroHealth Hospital after being shot in the face by his uncle, 28, Saturday night at the uncle’s house on Ruth Avenue.

Police Chief Don Bishop said the boy, who was visiting at the time, is in “very critical condition” after being hit with a shotgun blast.

The uncle told police he pointed the gun at the boy’s face and pulled the trigger but didn’t know the gun was loaded. It had had two shells in it, Chief Bishop said.

The uncle and nephew are not being identified at this time, and no charges have been filed. The uncle has been cooperative and is not in custody, the chief said.

There were several other people in the home at the time of the 10:30 p.m. incident. Police have done gunshot residue testing and continue to investigate and consult with the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office, Bishop said.