A Park Ridge father says his 14-year-old son is fighting severe brain injuries and a shattered skull after a fight earlier this week. Family members say the teen was knocked unconscious, and relatives have been going door to door asking neighbors for any video or witnesses who might help explain what happened.
Family Scours Block For Clues
Sean Connolly says he and relatives have been knocking on doors in the area where they believe the attack took place, asking neighbors to review home-security and doorbell camera footage, as reported by ABC7 Chicago. Connolly told the outlet that the family is desperate to find any recordings and wants potential clips saved before they are automatically erased.
Police Seek Doorbell And Security Video
Park Ridge police are asking anyone with doorbell or surveillance footage from the area to contact investigators and to preserve any relevant video. The Park Ridge Police Department lists its non-emergency phone number as 847-318-5252 and the Police Station at 200 S. Vine Avenue on the city site; residents can also file reports online through the department portal.
Cops Have Leads, Dad Wants Answers
Connolly told ABC7 Chicago that police "believe they know who attacked the boy," though the department has not publicly released any suspect names or announced charges. He also told the station he wants to know exactly what was used on his son, asking what "blunt object was used" to cause such devastating injuries.
Race Against The Delete Button For Crucial Footage
Doorbell and home-security cameras have helped investigators crack similar cases, but the way police request footage has shifted in recent years. The Associated Press reported in January 2024 that Ring ended its "Request for Assistance" tool for law enforcement, which means investigators now rely more on residents voluntarily sharing clips or on formal legal requests to obtain recordings.
Connolly and his family are urging neighbors to check any camera systems they have and to hang on to any relevant clips until investigators can review them. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the Park Ridge Police Department at 847-318-5252 or submit a report through the city's online police-report portal.
