A 15-year-old boy was shot and seriously injured in the West Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The shooting occurred on Friday afternoon in Hamlin Park, situated in the 3000 block of North Hoyne Avenue. The victim was reported to be in the park when two armed suspects, having fled the scene, approached and shot him at approximately 2:20 p.m., Chicago police said, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
The teen, who was hit in the back, was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital in serious condition. In the wake of the shooting, the suspects were seen fleeing, and to date, no arrests have been made. WGN-TV added that the victim also sustained a gunshot wound to the bicep. The incident shocked the community, which residents consider to be typically safe and community-friendly.
Shedding light on the details of the assault, Ald. Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward disclosed in a message to residents that the victim is a student at Alcott College Prep. He outlined that the attack was allegedly gang-related and targeted. The alderman assured the public of heightened police patrol around school hours and a collaborative effort with Chicago Public Schools' safety staff to prevent further incidents.
Neighbors expressed their distress, stating, "It's a really safe neighborhood and we're all community friendly, and something like this happen. It shook that whole neighborhood," as quoted by WGN-TV. Ald. Waguespack's communication with constituents also mentioned recent graffiti around the park and school that has been documented and sent to CPD gang units to aid in tracking the shooters. Residents with security cameras in the area have been urged to review their footage for potential evidence and are encouraged to send any material to the police.
The principal of Alcott College Prep, Grace Moody, also sent a letter to the school community to address the incident and assure parents and guardians of the school's dedication to safety. Moody offered support to students grappling with the incident and provided contact for those who needed additional assistance. Both Ald. Waguespack and Principal Moody stressed their commitment to student safety and the pursuit of justice in this alarming event.
