(WTTW News)
A 5-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot in the head Sunday evening, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The boy is in “extremely critical condition” at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan told reporters at a press conference Monday.
The shooting took place in the Rogers Park neighborhood shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. The youngster was in a car with his mom and dad in the 7600 block of North Paulina Street when his father stepped out of the car, Deenihan said.
Someone in a passing black Hyundai opened fire, striking the boy in the head and his 25-year-old father in the left hand and shoulder. “This was just a reckless act,” said Deenihan.
The father took himself to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. Police Superintendent David Brown said the father appears to have been the shooter’s intended target.
“We are heartbroken once again by another senseless violent gun incident,” Brown said.
Ald. Maria Hadden, whose 49th Ward includes portions of Rogers Park, commented on the shooting with a statement posted to social media: “The violence being done to our city by people with grudges and guns is horrific. Our children should not be placed in harm’s way like this.”
No one is in custody and police are asking for anyone with information to share tips with detectives.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
