Police said the child was first taken to a Willoughby hospital before being flown to Cleveland.
EASTLAKE, Ohio — A 3-year-old boy died after he was shot Friday evening at an Eastlake apartment complex, police said, as investigators worked to determine how the shooting happened.
The child was brought to UH Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby with a gunshot wound to the stomach after officers were called at about 7:18 p.m. Friday, according to Eastlake police. Investigators later determined the shooting happened at the Willowood Apartment Complex on Vine Street.
The boy underwent emergency surgery, was stabilized and then was flown to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. Police said he later died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released, and officials had not announced any arrests or charges as of Sunday, May 17.
Eastlake police said officers were processing the scene and interviewing people connected to the case. Officials did not immediately say who owned the gun, where inside the complex the child was shot or whether any adults were present when the shooting occurred.
The case drew a large police response to the apartment complex Friday night as investigators gathered evidence and worked through witness accounts. Police said the investigation remained active, with the cause and circumstances of the shooting still under review.
The next step is expected to include continued interviews, evidence review and possible updates from Eastlake police as investigators decide whether criminal charges are warranted.
Author note: Last updated May 17, 2026.