Chicago Police have charged a Southwest Side man with the shooting of two young girls Wednesday night in the Avondale neighborhood.
Antonio Bucio, 22, of the 6200 block of South Tripp Avenue, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.
Bucio is a member of the Maniac Latin Disciples Gang, authorities said. Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said the gang has now gone to the "top of the list" when it comes to police enforcement.
"[Officers will now] go after the Maniac Latin Disciples on whatever charges, crimes or violations possible. Each member of the gang will pay for the actions of one," he said.
When asked whether that was what Police should be doing anyway (targeting known gang members), McCarthy said police are doing that, but that this new approach will zero in the focus.
He credited "excellent" police work and citizen assistance in tracking down the suspect vehicle which ultimately led to Bucio. The weapon believed to have been used in the crime was recovered, McCarthy said, but he added that ballistics testing was still be done.
"This is no consolation to the victims and their families, and our pledge is to work so as to ensure that this does not happen again to more children in this city," he said.
The youngest girl, just 2 years old, was grazed by a bullet after witnesses said they saw someone pull up in a van and fire on a group of people playing basketball. The other girl, 7, was struck in the back.
At last check, the 7-year-old's condition had stabilized. The toddler had been upgraded to good condition.
The girls were caught in the crossfire of the shooting that happened shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday in Avondale Park, at 3516 W. School St.
