CHICAGO — Two 15-year-old boys were wounded in separate shooting incidents in West Town and Humboldt Park on Sunday afternoon, capping off a weekend of violence during local celebrations, according to authorities.
One of the teens remains in critical condition, while the other was seriously hurt under unclear circumstances. Both incidents occurred just blocks apart and are under active investigation.
First Shooting in West Town Leaves Teen in Critical Condition
The first incident took place around 3:30 p.m. on June 15, when a 15-year-old boy was shot in an alley in the 2600 block of West Evergreen Avenue, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
The teen was struck in the right leg and was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police say no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made as of Monday.
Authorities are canvassing the area for security footage or witnesses who may have seen the shooter flee the alley.
🔫 Second Teen Wounded in Humboldt Park, Possibly Self-Inflicted
Just blocks away in Humboldt Park, another 15-year-old boy was found with a gunshot wound to the leg. While initial reports treated it as a shooting, later witness accounts suggest the injury may have been accidental.
Local resident Felicia Wings, who has lived in the area for ten years, told CBS News Chicago she saw the teen running and attempting to climb over a gate.
“A young boy was running and jumping up the gates, and I guess he maybe ended up shooting himself in the leg while he came over the last gate,” Wings said.
The exact nature of how the teen obtained the weapon or whether any adults were present remains under investigation.
Drive-By Shooting in Humboldt Park Injures Three More
The same weekend also saw a separate drive-by shooting in the Humboldt Park area. Around 10 p.m. Saturday, gunfire erupted near California Avenue and Thomas Street, wounding three adult men, ages 27, 42, and 45.
All three victims were shot in the legs and are expected to recover after being treated at local hospitals. Police say the shooting may be gang-related, but no official motive has been released.
Police Investigations Ongoing
Detectives from both districts are pursuing leads in all three incidents, with special attention on whether the teen shootings were connected or part of broader violence tied to the weekend’s events.
Community leaders in West Town and Humboldt Park have expressed frustration over the repeated violence affecting youth, especially during periods meant for neighborhood celebrations.
Have Thoughts on Teen Safety in Your Neighborhood?
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