Belleville, IL — July 5, 2025 — A community already on edge from rising concerns over gun violence was shaken to its core this week when a shooting incident on North 42nd Street left a child seriously injured. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of July 3, has now led to the filing of multiple felony charges against a 27-year-old Belleville resident following a swift and thorough investigation.
According to the Belleville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene of a residential shooting at approximately 2:15 a.m. on July 3, 2025. Upon arrival, they discovered that a young child had sustained a gunshot wound. Emergency services immediately rendered aid and transported the child to a nearby medical facility. While the full extent of the injuries has not yet been disclosed, the child was reported to be in serious but stable condition as of the most recent update.
The swift and coordinated response by law enforcement and medical personnel likely prevented the tragedy from becoming even more catastrophic. However, the emotional damage inflicted upon the child, the family, and the community will take far longer to heal.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the shooting, Belleville Police Detectives launched an extensive investigation, interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area. The crime scene, located on the 100 block of North 42nd Street, was sealed off for several hours as detectives meticulously combed through the area for any clues that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
By July 4, after careful review and coordination with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, detectives had gathered enough evidence to present a case. As a result, formal charges were filed against 27-year-old Tyron L. Pembleton, a resident of Belleville. Authorities allege that Pembleton was directly involved in the shooting that led to the child’s injuries. While the motive behind the shooting has not been publicly disclosed, law enforcement officials have described the act as reckless and deeply disturbing.
Charges brought against Pembleton include multiple felonies, among them aggravated battery with a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, and endangering the welfare of a child. He is currently being held in custody as the investigation continues and preparations are made for upcoming court proceedings.
A Neighborhood in Shock
North 42nd Street is a quiet, residential part of Belleville—a community known for its tree-lined streets, family homes, and tight-knit neighbors. For many local residents, the idea of a shooting incident involving a child on their block is not only terrifying but unthinkable.
“It’s hard to process,” said one longtime resident who asked not to be identified. “You don’t expect something like this to happen just a few doors down. We know the families here. We see their kids playing outside every day. It’s heartbreaking.”
In the days since the shooting, neighbors have come together to offer support to the affected family. Meals, flowers, and handwritten notes have been left on the front porch of the home where the shooting occurred. A community-led vigil is being planned for the weekend in honor of the child and to show collective support for the family.
Trauma Beyond the Physical
While the medical team continues to care for the physical injuries sustained by the child, mental health professionals and victim advocates are stepping in to address the deep emotional and psychological trauma. Pediatric trauma experts emphasize that incidents of this nature often leave long-lasting effects on young victims, including symptoms of anxiety, fear, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress.
Family support organizations throughout Belleville have reached out to the child’s family to offer counseling, financial assistance, and legal advocacy. According to the executive director of one such group, “When a child is harmed by gun violence, the entire family system is affected. Healing takes time, resources, and a strong support network. We are committed to walking alongside this family every step of the way.”
Community Leaders and City Officials React
In response to the incident, city officials have condemned the violence and pledged renewed efforts to tackle the root causes of gun-related crimes. Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory released a statement calling the incident “a senseless and deeply painful reminder of the work we still have to do to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
“We cannot and will not accept gun violence as a normal part of our lives,” the mayor stated. “This child should have been safe in their own home. This community will rally together, and we will take every action necessary to prevent this from happening again.”
Members of the St. Clair County Board also voiced their concern, calling for increased funding for violence prevention programs, mental health services, and youth outreach initiatives. Many emphasized the need for community partnerships that build trust between residents and law enforcement while addressing systemic issues that contribute to instability and crime.
Legal Process and Next Steps
With charges now formally filed, the legal process will move forward in the coming days. Pembleton is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing within the week, where further details may emerge regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
The prosecution is expected to pursue the case vigorously, citing the vulnerability of the victim and the severity of the actions as aggravating factors. Defense attorneys have not yet issued a public statement, and it remains unclear how the suspect intends to plead.
St. Clair County prosecutors have emphasized their commitment to justice in this case, with one representative stating, “We take crimes against children extremely seriously. This young victim deserves every protection under the law, and we will ensure that accountability is pursued to the fullest extent.”
The Broader Context: Children and Gun Violence
This incident adds to a growing concern across Illinois and the nation about the impact of gun violence on children. According to data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive, hundreds of minors are injured or lose their lives each year due to gun-related incidents—many of which occur in or near homes.
Advocacy groups have renewed calls for responsible gun ownership, secure storage laws, and stricter background checks. “Every time a child is harmed by a firearm, we are reminded of the gaps in our policies,” said a spokesperson from Moms Demand Action. “These are not just statistics. They are real families. Real children.”
Locally, school districts have begun implementing age-appropriate safety and trauma education programs to help children understand how to stay safe while also processing events that may affect them or their classmates.
Moving Forward with Resolve
For the Belleville community, this incident is a call to action. Local nonprofits, church leaders, educators, and neighborhood groups are now working together to assess how best to provide support—not only for the victim and their family but for the wider community as well.
Plans are underway to hold a town hall meeting to discuss safety measures, crime prevention strategies, and mental health resources. City leaders have also committed to funding community-based initiatives aimed at reducing violence and improving conflict resolution skills, particularly among young adults.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight,” said a local pastor. “But it begins with conversations, with compassion, and with a shared commitment to never let something like this happen again without taking real steps to stop it.”
A Message of Hope
While the wounds of this tragedy are still fresh, the strength of the Belleville community is already shining through. From the neighbors who rushed to help, to the medical teams who worked tirelessly to stabilize the child, to the detectives who moved swiftly to identify and arrest a suspect, this is also a story of resilience.
The child continues to receive care and is being surrounded by love, support, and professionals working to ensure both physical and emotional healing. In the days ahead, their journey will continue—but they will not walk it alone.
As Belleville processes this trauma and works to prevent future tragedies, the message is clear: the lives of children are precious, and the community will rise together to protect them, heal from this pain, and create a safer, more hopeful future for all.
Updates on the child’s condition, legal proceedings, and community efforts will be shared as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to support local organizations working on child safety, mental health, and violence prevention.
