Juvenile Critically Injured in Belleville Shooting, Suspect Taken into Custody

Authorities continue to investigate the non-random incident involving two minors.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A juvenile male was critically injured in a shooting in Belleville, Illinois on Monday night. Police have arrested another juvenile male suspect in connection with the incident, which appears to have been non-random as the parties involved were known to each other. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities withholding further details to protect the privacy of the minors involved.

Why it matters

Gun violence affecting local youth is an ongoing concern in the Belleville community, and this incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address the issue and ensure public safety, especially for vulnerable populations like minors.

The details

Police responded to the 600 block of Royal Heights Road around 10:27 p.m. on Monday and found the juvenile victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his lower torso. He was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently in critical but stable condition. A juvenile male suspect was arrested around 5:30 a.m. the next morning by the Belleville/St. Clair County Regional Special Response Team. The investigation is ongoing, with the case to be submitted to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office once complete.

  • The shooting occurred around 10:27 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • The juvenile suspect was arrested around 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Belleville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

Juvenile Victim

The underage male who was critically injured in the shooting.

Juvenile Suspect

The underage male who has been arrested in connection with the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“Belleville Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Investigations Division, as even small details may assist in the investigation.”

— Belleville Police Department (hoodline.com)

What’s next

The Belleville Police Department stated that the Investigations Division is following multiple leads and will submit the case to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office for review once the investigation is complete.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence affecting minors in the Belleville community, and the importance of continued efforts by law enforcement and community stakeholders to address the problem and ensure the safety of young people.