CHICAGO (WLS) — Relations mentioned a cousin of Laquan McDonald was wounded in a taking pictures in Douglass Park that left one other teen useless.
Based on a police report obtained by the ABC7 I-Group, the alleged gunman is a lifeguard with the Chicago Park District. That police report mentioned the lifeguard had a hid carry license.
The Douglass Park pool remained closed Friday as an investigation continued. The health worker has dominated the teenager’s loss of life as a murder.
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Chicago police mentioned that an individual of curiosity is in custody.
The taking pictures occurred round 7:03 p.m. Thursday within the 1400-block South Sacramento Drive in Douglass Park, Chicago police mentioned.
The 2 teenagers have been within the park once they have been approached by an unknown armed male suspect who fired photographs at them, police mentioned.
The police report says the lifeguard obtained into an altercation with the kids after believing they have been going to steal his bicycle after which allegedly fired at them.
A 14-year-old was shot within the neck and was taken to a hospital in severe situation, CPD mentioned.
Relations mentioned the 14-year-old, Jeremy Herred, is cousins with Laquan McDonald, who was killed by Chicago police in 2014. His uncle is Pastor Marvin Hunter of Grace Memorial Baptist Church. His household advised ABC7 he’s a sophomore at UIC Prep and had solely been to the pool two or 3 times.
The opposite sufferer, a 15-year-old boy, was shot within the again and was additionally hospitalized in severe situation. Police mentioned he was later pronounced useless. He was later recognized as Marjay Dotson by the Prepare dinner County Medical Examiner’s Workplace, who dominated his loss of life a murder from a gunshot wound to the again.
Whereas the life guard had been detained, nobody has been charged.
Mayor Brandon Johnson visited with workers, kids and households at Douglass Park in gentle of Thursday’s taking pictures.
A spokesperson mentioned the mayor, Park District Superintendent Carlos Ramirez Rosa and Alderwoman Monique Scott wished to satisfy with workers and counselors, supporting the youth on the fieldhouse as summer time camps continued Friday morning.
The Chicago Park District issued a press release saying, “The Chicago Park District is deeply saddened by the tragic taking pictures that occurred at Douglass Park. We proceed to cooperate with the Chicago Police Division as they conduct their energetic investigation. The Park District has made the choice to shut Douglass Park pool at present out of care and respect for the park workers and group members impacted by yesterday’s occasions. The District is working with the Chicago Division of Public Well being to supply disaster assist companies to the park workers and residents of the encompassing group.
“Despite this tragic occasion, Douglass Park stays a secure and vibrant group anchor. The fieldhouse will probably be open at present throughout regular working hours and all applications will probably be held as scheduled. Extra Park safety and different workers will probably be current all through the day.
“The Park District understands the gravity of this example. We have now initiated a radical inside evaluation to know what occurred main as much as yesterday’s taking pictures and determine applicable motion.
“We’re dedicated to supporting our workers, patrons, and the broader North Lawndale group throughout this tough time. As we transfer ahead, our focus stays on security, and guaranteeing our parks proceed to be locations of peace, connection, and group.”
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