Police consider 3-year-old boy pulled from Lake Michigan close to Navy Pier was pushed in by relative, sources say

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 3-year-old boy who has been hospitalized in crucial situation after being pulled out of Lake Michigan close to Navy Pier was pushed in by a relative, in line with police sources.

Sources informed CBS 2’s Brad Edwards that police consider the kid was pushed into the water by a relative.

An individual of curiosity is now being questioned by detectives.

Police mentioned the kid went into the water alongside the north finish of Navy Pier round 1 p.m. 

The boy was pulled out of the water round 1:40 p.m., and a Chicago Fire Department spokesperson mentioned the boy was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital in crucial situation.

As CBS 2’s Jermont Terry reported, the little boy remained in very crucial situation at Lurie Monday night time. Police mentioned the little boy continues to be in crucial situation Tuesday morning. 

Meanwhile late Monday night time, you may nonetheless discover police lights flickering at the hours of darkness alongside the northeastern part of Navy Pier, the place investigators proceed to focus their consideration.

Hours earlier, a frantic name got here in to 911. Someone noticed a baby floating on his again in Lake Michigan close to a light-weight pole – after which he went underwater.

Divers rapidly jumped in and rescued the 3-year-old from the water.

It’s unclear how the boy managed to recover from the limitations alongside the pier, after which tumble a number of toes into the water.

Police initially mentioned the preliminary investigation confirmed the boy’s fall was unintended. But after asking questions and speaking to these at or close to the pier, they’re now saying it’s unclear how the kid ended up within the water – and they aren’t able to name it an accident simply but.

As police appeared for readability, there have been many unanswered questions. Did the boy slip away? And most significantly, how did the kid find yourself in Lake Michigan?

It’s additionally unknown if the boy hit his head on something when he fell over, or how lengthy he was underwater earlier than divers pulled him out.

After the boy was pulled out of the water, police arrange a criminal offense scene alongside the north finish of Navy Pier, with a part of the pier blocked off with purple crime scene tape.

Police mentioned the kid was with a guardian on the time he fell into the water. 

Area Three detectives are investigating, and police confirmed late Monday that they’re questioning an individual of curiosity.

Radio communications indicated that police have been placing the boy’s aunt right into a squad automotive after the boy was rescued. It was not clear whether or not the aunt was the one being questioned Monday night time.

Navy Pier issued the next assertion Monday night time: “Navy Pier is deeply saddened to learn about the injury of a child pulled from the water this afternoon. We are working very closely with the Chicago Police Department as they investigate the incident. Our hearts are with the child and his loved ones.”