Tragedy struck Douglass Park on Chicago's West Side when gunfire erupted, leaving one teenage boy dead and another seriously injured. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Thursday, leading to a fatal outcome for a 15-year-old who was pronounced dead after being shot in his lower right flank, and a dire medical state for a 14-year-old shot in the neck.
The shooter, a 55-year-old man from Lake View, claimed self-defense in the aftermath, telling responding officers, "Those two kids attacked me and followed me. I defended myself, I have a license." This account was matched by a 33-year-old woman witness who observed the unsettling scene unfold as the man, whom she said was fixing his bike, retrieved a gun from his bag and fired two rounds at the approaching group that included the victims.
As told by NBC Chicago, the 1400 block of South Sacramento Drive transformed into a crime scene, with part of the park, including a basketball court, sealed off by police tape amidst a significant law enforcement presence. The younger teen was rushed to the hospital in serious condition, while the older succumbed to his injuries.
No charges have been announced as the investigation continues, led by Area 4 detectives.
