An early-morning gathering in Garfield Ridge turned violent Sunday when a 16-year-old driver was shot while sitting in a parked car on Chicago’s Southwest Side, according to police.
The gunfire broke out around 2:30 a.m. in the 5100-block of South Major Avenue. Police said the teen, who was behind the wheel of a parked car, was shot in the leg and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition. The shooter took off before officers arrived, and detectives are now working the case.
ABC7 Chicago reports that someone opened fire as the car was parked, and the teen was hit as he tried to drive away. Authorities did not immediately release additional details and said no arrests had been reported as of Sunday afternoon. Area One detectives are handling the investigation.
Garfield Ridge context
Garfield Ridge has seen sporadic gun violence in recent months. A fatal Thanksgiving-night shooting in the neighborhood’s 5100-block of South Luna Avenue last November left one man dead.
Recent city data paint a mixed picture, with officials telling reporters there were fewer homicides in May 2026 even as the number of shooting victims rose, a split highlighted by NBC Chicago.
How to help investigators
Area One detectives are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Bureau of Detectives — Area One at 312-747-8380 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, according to the Chicago Police Department. Police also urge anyone who may have video or photos from the area to preserve that footage and share it with investigators.
