Aunt pushed 3-year-old boy into Lake Michigan near Navy Pier, sources say

Chicago (CBS) — A 3-year-old boy who was hospitalized in critical condition after being pulled from Lake Michigan near Navy Pier was shoved by his aunt, police sources said.

A source told CBS 2’s Brad Edwards that police have surveillance video showing the boy’s aunt pushing him into the water. Haven’t seen the video yet.

Police told CBS 2’s Tara Molina that there is “one person at this time” pending indictment.

Investigators determined the boy entered the water around 1:23 p.m. Monday, according to the Chicago Fire Department. We dived in and pulled the boy out of the lake at 1:42 PM. Toddler he was in the water for nearly 20 minutes. He was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital in critical condition.

As reported by CBS 2’s Jermont Terry, the boy remained in critical condition in Lurie Monday night. As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the boy was still undergoing treatment at Lurie Children’s.

Police initially said preliminary investigations had shown the boy’s fall was accidental. However, after asking questions and talking to people on and near the pier, they backtracked on the claim and said it was unclear.

After the boy was pulled from the water, police set up a crime scene along the northern edge of Navy Pier, sealing off part of the pier with red crime scene tape.

Police said the child was with a parent when he fell into the water.

Eliasley detectives are conducting an investigation, and police confirmed late Monday that they are questioning a person of interest. Radio transmissions showed police had the boy’s aunt in a patrol car after the boy was rescued.

Navy Pier released the following statement Monday night: “Navy Pier is deeply saddened to learn of the injuries of a child who was pulled from the water this afternoon. We are working closely with the Chicago Police Department to investigate the incident. Our thoughts are with you. His child and his loved ones.”

Jermont Terry

Jermont Terry joined the CBS 2 team in October 2019. He was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. After 18 years of uncovering stories across the country, he’s happy to return to his home to report on his community.