Six-year-old Jaylene Bermeo returned to the hospital Thursday, just two days after the young girl who was shot in Chicago last week had finally been released and sent home, officials said.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, Jaylene was taken back to the hospital overnight in critical condition. Officials at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County said the young girl was listed in stable, but guarded condition.
Jaylene was critically wounded last week when she was shot in the chest while playing outside with family members on Chicago's Northwest Side.
Prosecutors said she was drawing with chalk on a sidewalk in the 2100 block of North Bingham in the Logan Square neighborhood when someone inside a vehicle fired 12 times in the children's direction. One of the bullets hit Jaylene, puncturing her lung.
Authorities said the bullet was still lodged in the young girl's chest, but narrowly missed her heart.
Late last week, hospital officials said Jaylene was in "good condition and good spirits."
"She has a long but promising road to recovery ahead of her," Stroger Hospital said in a statement. "We hope to discharge her in a few days."
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Family members said at the time they appreciated all the support they have received.
"Please keep the prayers coming for Jaylene's full recovery so she can get back to the dance classes she loves so much," their statement read.
A 17-year-old alleged gang member was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting, accused of driving the car used the drive-by.
The teen was arrested and charged Wednesday with aggravated battery with a firearm and illegal discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors also say he has a record, with seven arrests over the past 2 years from reckless conduct, to drugs, to possession of a stolen car.
