16-year-old shot through window of home in Chicago's Austin neighborhood
CHICAGO (CBS) — A 16-year-old boy was shot through the window while sitting in his home in the West Side's Austin neighborhood Wednesday night.
Police said the teen was shot in the hip at 10:42 p.m. in the 600 block of North Lorel Avenue. The teen was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in fair condition.
Groups working to combat violence said the incident has people fed up and concerned for their own safety.
"People are terrified. People are scared to come out their doors. It's like, it's awful," said Marcus Simpson, an outreach worker with the Institute of Nonviolence Chicago.
"You've got teenagers that never been to the Army to military train, but somehow, they end up with assault rifles and military weapons," Simpson said.
Simpson grew up in the Austin neighborhood, and his family still lives There. He now works the neighborhood he has known for a lifetime.
"I come from the streets," Simpson said.
Simpson said his organization is working to make a difference here every day.
But he said the latest shooting demonstrates the need for more.
"Let's invest in our children, let's care about them, give them some better stuff to reach and some better goals to reach, and let's try to invest in the community and get them some resources and opportunities," said Simpson.
Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) issued this statement:
"I feel compelled to speak out today. As 37th Ward Alderwoman – I believe the highly dangerous violent incident involving unknown assailants shooting a sixteen-year-old male teenager yesterday evening through the window of his home in Chicago's northwest Austin neighborhood is highly disturbing and totally, completely unacceptable for a variety of reasons.
"A despicable individual or group shot the teenager, and the bullet injured their hip in the 600 block of North Lorel Avenue. The youthful victim was transported to Stroger Hospital in fair to serious condition. Thankfully, it was not more life-threatening - but that does not excuse the hazardous and evil intent. Anyone capable of savagely targeting and shooting teens, infants, children, adults, or seniors does not deserve to freely walk our city streets. Public safety for 37th Ward residents is one of my key priorities - - because it is important for EVERYONE.
"First - - these escalating acts of indiscriminate viciousness and equally disturbing incidents of street violence in Chicago have made many community residents - - and indeed on some levels, ALL OF US tired, angry, sad, frightened, and fatigued. And the fall holiday season has not even started for GOD's sake!!
"As 37th Ward Alderwoman, I know that someone must be the key influencers who help protect our vulnerable at-risk youth so they can experience more positive futures! I am a fiercely committed, strong advocate for maintaining the safety of local West Side Chicago residents from unwarranted street shootings and other violence. Many of our city's neighborhood areas are already on the social equity and economic edge - - and so let me be clear - - this cannot and will not be tolerated. I am coordinating with CPD's 15th District to get more details and help resolve this unfortunate incident, and my staff and I are seeking to reach out to the family to provide any needed support.
"Finally, We cannot continue to allow our youth to be shooters nor the victims of random or targeted gun-related violence. All of us must do our part to reduce these potentially tragic and deadly incidents of human carnage. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING! You can now send the Chicago Police Department ANONYMOUS TIPS directly from your cellphone. Connect in real-time with TIPSUBMIT or Go to www.cpdtip.com. We will seek awards of up to $1,000 for felony arrests by Crimestoppers."
"We cannot continue to allow our youth to be shooters nor the victims of random or targeted gun-related violence. All of us must do our part to reduce these potentially tragic and deadly incidents of human carnage. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING!"
Police were still looking for the shooter late Thursday, and no arrests had been made.
