A man who "dry fired" a loaded shotgun, critically injuring a 9-year-old, now says he loaded the gun himself right before shooting it through his window, police said.

Officers were investigating whether alcohol "may have contributed to his inability to connect his own dots," said Roy Police Chief Greg Whinham.

The suspected shooter, 28, of Riverdale, told police he was house-sitting for his grandmother in a mobile-home park for seniors near 3800 S. 1900 West in Roy on Saturday when he was cleaning a shotgun, Whinham said.

The suspected shooter said he reloaded the 12-gauge and then fired it as 9-year-old Braden Schroeder was walking past on the sidewalk, Whinham reported. Schroeder, of North Ogden, was visiting his grandfather.

Pellets broke through the window and struck Schroeder, who was about 8 feet from the muzzle, Whinham said. They pierced the child in four places, from his thigh to his neck, Whinham said.

Schroeder remained in critical condition Sunday with the pellets still in his body, Whinham said. Doctors have been stabilizing Schroeder and were unable to perform any major surgery over the weekend.

"It is anticipated by the medical staff that his recovery may take several weeks and further surgical procedures will be required," Schroeder's family wrote in a statement read by their neighbor, Roger Fadel.

Fadel said Schroeder has been conscious and saw his parents, but Fadel said communication is limited because Schroeder is a special needs child. Fadel would not elaborate on Schroeder's condition.

"He has been such a tough, strong and courageous young boy," the family wrote. He has touched so many lives.

The suspected shooter has cooperated with police and was released after questioning Saturday night, Whinham said. Police were looking into possible charges.