CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) — A 13-year-old boy has been charged in a Bronzeville shooting that wounded four other boys over the weekend, one of two shootings that happened within hours and blocks of each other on the city's South Side.
Chicago police said the juvenile was arrested Saturday night and charged with four felony counts of aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm. He also faces felony weapons charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a person under 18 and possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card.
The shooting happened around 9:40 p.m. Saturday in the 4500 block of South Prairie Avenue.
Police said the 13-year-old suspect opened fire, striking four boys before being taken into custody about 20 minutes later in the 4600 block of South Calumet Avenue.
The victims included an 11-year-old boy, two 13-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy. Three suffered gunshot wounds to their legs or foot, while the 14-year-old sustained a graze wound to the back.
All four were transported to Comer Children's Hospital and are expected to recover.
The juvenile suspect was scheduled to appear for a detention hearing Monday.
Less than two hours after the Prairie Avenue shooting, police responded to another shooting less than a mile away in the 4600 block of South Federal Street.
Officers found two women with gunshot wounds at the scene and later learned an adult man had arrived at the University of Chicago Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
An 18-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and remained in critical condition Monday. A 19-year-old woman who was shot in the hand and the male victim were both listed in good condition.
Police have not announced any arrests in the Federal Street shooting and have not said whether the two incidents are connected.
The violence prompted concern from 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell, who called for greater accountability from parents, community leaders and businesses that host large gatherings of young people.
In a letter to residents, Dowell questioned why children were out late at night and said adults must do more to guide young people and help prevent violence. She also called on businesses to maintain order at large teen gatherings or face possible consequences.
Area One detectives continue to investigate the Federal Street shooting.
