Teenager Charged With Shooting of Girl, 6, on Northwest Side

A 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the Northwest Side shooting that left a 6-year-old girl in critical condition on Monday night.

Police said the male juvenile was identified as the person who drove up and shot the young girl in the back as she played outside in the 2100 block of N Bingham.

The suspect is charged with one felony count of aggravated battery and discharge of a firearm, according to a release from the Chicago Police Department. Authorities said he was taken into custody Tuesday.

The young girl was outside at a party in the Logan Square neighborhood when witnesses said they heard anywhere from eight to 10 shots ring out.

A car pulled up and someone inside started shooting at the group, according to witnesses. The girl was the only one hit by gunfire, police said.

Family members rushed the girl to Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, where she was treated before being transported to Cook County’s Stroger Hospital. Her name has not been released.

"It really hurts because there are so many innocent people that are just [enjoying the] nice, beautiful weather," said one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. "That’s not fair. That’s not fair for the kids. That’s not fair for our neighborhood."

Authorities said Tuesday that Chicago police have responded to four calls at the home since last month. The calls range from shots fired to noise disturbances.

"The house is always reported at the CAPS meetings," said neighbor Joe Kopera. "They're always asking about it because it's been a continuous problem for years."

Bullet holes were seen in the front window of the home Tuesday. A man who lived inside declined to comment, but told NBC 5 the bullet holes were from a different shooting. He insisted the home is "not a gang house" like others are making it out to be.

In a statement, Ald. Joe Moreno said he has been working with police to address issues at the home "prior to this tragic incident." 

Community members say regardless of the circumstances, someone must be held acccountable for the shoting.

"This baby is laying here in pain overnight, inumaginable pain," said activist Andrew Holmes. "I can't imagine the pain. Let's gives these individuals pain, let's bring them to justice."

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