4-year-old boy shot while riding in car in Humboldt Park
CHICAGO — A 4-year-old boy was shot while he was riding in a vehicle Tuesday in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the shooting happened around 3:50 p.m. in the 3300 block of West North Avenue.
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The boy, police said, initially arrived at Stroger Hospital in critical condition. His grandmother told WGN News late Tuesday night he had made it through surgery and was considered stable.
According to the grandmother, she was driving him to get a treat when someone opened fire and the bullet came through the back license plate area of her vehicle, hitting the boy in the back and traveling through to his stomach.
The woman said she rushed her grandson to another area hospital, and according to CPD, he was then transferred to Stroger Hospital.
“It’s unbelievable that we still have to suffer this kind of violence in our city,” resident Maria Ugarte said. “I live in the neighborhood, and I don’t feel safe anywhere.”
Another woman WGN News spoke with by phone, was working at a local floral shop when the shooting happened. She said she heard several loud sounds, quickly realizing it was gunshots.
“I was in shock for a bit. I was confused as well, and I didn’t really know what to do in the situation as well,” said the woman. “I’m just really grateful we were inside and no one that I know got hurt, but I hope everyone’s okay.”
Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) told WGN News initial reports indicated an unknown black sedan was following a light-colored SUV along Spaulding Avenue from Division Street. The situation allegedly escalated when both vehicles reached North Avenue and Sawyer Avenue.
At that point, Fuentes said two occupants in the black sedan opened fire on the SUV, leading to the boy being shot.
Fuentes said she arrived on scene shortly after to begin speaking with residents and law enforcement officials about the incident. She also told WGN News she has spoken with the family to assess their needs following the shooting.
“My office is collaborating with violence prevention organizations to take proactive measures to prevent any further escalation or retaliation. My office and violence prevention organizations will be canvassing the area tomorrow at 10:00am to continue to have conversations with residents,” Fuentes said.
Chicago police have not announced any arrests in the shooting. The incident is under investigation by Area Five detectives.
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