Washington Park: Seven shot injured and One Killed in Shooting
On Tuesday night, a shooting occurred in Washington Park, leaving one dead and six others wounded.
Reports from indicate that the incident occurred near 51st Street and Champlain Avenue in the park’s northern section.
Chief Fred Melean of the Chicago Police Department’s Area One reported that at 7:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the park. Seven people were hurt in a gun battle that broke out after an argument between two parties.
Melean stated that there was one fatality.
The Chicago Police Department was still trying to piece together what happened to Washington Park as of 10 p.m.
Law enforcement officials were spotted using spotlights to comb the grass around a baseball diamond for shell casings. The gunfire rang out, startling many of the individuals already at the park.
Some of those caught in the crossfire are seen on camera lying helpless on the ground.
Tents for the upcoming UniverSoul Circus run at Washington Park have been erected, but the circus did not begin its run on Tuesday night and was not performing.
Melean stated that when the circus is performing at the park, there is more security there than on Tuesday night.
Almost thirty shots were fired in rapid succession, witnesses said, prompting them to seek shelter.
Pastor Donovan Price, an activist, said, “On a night when people should enjoy themselves — the weather’s nice and everything like this — it is just a sad time that many will make political, but unfortunately, this is people’s lives. It is not a political stage show.”
According to the Fire Department, an ambulance took four persons to the hospital, including one woman and three men. One person’s condition ranged from fair to serious, while the others’ ranged from serious to critical.
According to the Chicago Police Department, many of the injured were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
As of late Tuesday, police still had no suspects in custody or a motive for the shooting.
Melean pleaded with any eyewitnesses to get in touch with the Area One police. He added that tips can be made anonymously by calling (833) 408-0069.